Low back pain treatment in Denver increasingly relies on research-backed, minimally invasive approaches. Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, and for many, it becomes chronic. A leading cause of persistent pain is degenerative disc disease (DDD)—a condition involving structural, inflammatory, and mechanical changes in the spinal discs.
At Denver Spine & Pain Institute, our physicians stay at the forefront of spine research to help patients understand why they hurt and what options exist beyond medications or surgery. This article explains the science behind disc-related low back pain and highlights important clinical trials and advanced treatments that may help the right patients.
Degenerative disc disease is not actually a disease—it is a condition describing age-related or injury-related changes in the spinal discs that can lead to chronic low back pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility.
Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae and function as shock absorbers for the spine. Each disc has three key components:
Healthy discs balance flexibility with strength. Research shows that when discs degenerate, they lose hydration and structural integrity. This alters how forces are transmitted through the spine and changes how disc cells behave, triggering inflammation and accelerating damage.
Scientists now describe disc degeneration as a vicious cycle: abnormal mechanics cause inflammation, inflammation weakens the disc, and the weakened disc experiences even greater mechanical stress. Understanding this cycle is key to modern, targeted low back pain treatments.
Many people have disc degeneration on MRI but no pain. Pain often develops only when inflammation, nerve irritation, or vertebral endplate damage occurs—highlighting why personalized evaluation is essential.
Disc degeneration may lead to pain when:
This explains why some patients improve with physical therapy alone, while others continue to experience pain despite conservative care.
One of the most promising areas in non-surgical low back pain treatment is disc-focused clinical research. These FDA-regulated trials aim to restore disc function or improve biomechanics rather than remove or fuse spinal segments.
Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments under strict FDA oversight, often at reduced or no cost to eligible patients.
This Phase 2 randomized, double-blind study uses a patient’s own bone marrow–derived stem cells, expanded in a laboratory and injected into the painful disc.
This therapy uses adult donor stem cells designed to reduce inflammation and improve disc health.
This investigational hydrogel is injected into the disc to restore height and reduce abnormal loading.
Some treatments target inflammation, others improve disc structure or mechanics. Matching the therapy to the pain generator is critical.
For patients who are not participating in clinical trials, several evidence-based treatments are already available at Denver Spine & Pain Institute.
A proven treatment for vertebrogenic low back pain caused by damaged vertebral endplates.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), sometimes combined with protective proteins such as alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), may help reduce inflammation inside the disc.
An allograft disc tissue option designed to support disc hydration and structure.
Ongoing research continues to explore:
These innovations represent a shift toward preserving spinal motion and function, rather than defaulting to surgery.
If low back pain lasts longer than 3 months, limits daily activity, or fails conservative care, a spine and pain specialist evaluation may help identify advanced treatment options.
If you suffer from chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease and want to explore non-surgical or research-based treatments, our team can help.
📞 Research inquiries:
Josephine, DBPS Research
303-327-5511 x319
Josephine@denverpaininstitute.com
📅 Clinical consultations:
Call 303-327-5511 or visit
https://denverbackpainspecialists.com/research-studies/
At Denver Spine & Pain Institute, we combine cutting-edge research with personalized care to help patients move forward with confidence.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our excellent providers at The Denver Spine and Pain Institute. 303-327-5511.
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