J Am Acad Orthop Sur
-
Basic research is advancing the understanding of the pathogenesis and management of low back pain at the molecular and genetic levels. Frequently, low back pain is caused by disorders of the intervertebral disk. ⋯ Recent research using growth factors to promote chondrocyte regeneration appears to be promising. Advances in gene therapy to both prevent disk degeneration and regenerate the disk eventually may have clinical application.