Traditional thinking suggests that lumbar discs cause pain only when they press on a nearby nerve root, leading to the classic “pinched nerve” diagnosis. However, newer research shows that the disc itself can be a direct source of pain, even without compressing a nerve. This updated understanding of lumbar disc pain helps explain why some patients experience back pain even when imaging does not show nerve compression.

Anatomy of the Lumbar Disc

The lumbar disc consists of two main parts:

• Nucleus Pulposus: The soft, gel-like center that provides cushioning between the vertebrae.
• Annulus Fibrosus: The tough, outer ring made of layers of fibrous tissue that contains and protects the nucleus pulposus.

Unlike the inner nucleus, the outer perimeter of the annulus fibrosus is innervated by branches of the sinuvertebral nerve. Because of this, the disc itself can send pain signals directly to the brain, even when there is no pressure on a nerve root.

How Disc Fissures Cause Pain

When small cracks, or disc fissures, extend to the outer annulus, they can stimulate the sinuvertebral nerve endings, leading to chronic pain. This explains why some people experience back pain that does not match the pattern of a pinched nerve. Disc annulus fissures cause weakness in the disc wall resulting protrusions or bulges.

Referred Pain from Lumbar Discs

Pain originating from a damaged lumbar disc can be “referred” to other parts of the body. This means that although the problem is in the spine, the pain may be felt in areas such as:

• The lower back
• The buttocks
• The hips
• The thighs

This referred pain pattern can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis, as it mimics other conditions like hip problems or sciatica.

Inflammation Without Nerve Compression

If a disc fissure extends completely through the annulus fibrosus, molecules from the nucleus pulposus can leak out, causing chemical irritation and inflammation in the epidural space, ultimately involving the nerve roots in the vicinity. Even if the disc does not press on a nerve, these leaked substances can trigger nerve root irritation, leading to pain, tingling, or weakness in the legs. This finding challenges the idea that nerve compression is the only cause of disc-related pain.

A New Approach to Treatment

Understanding that lumbar disc pain can come from within the disc itself changes how we approach treatment. Many traditional methods, such as pain medications and physical therapy, epidural steroid injection, may only provide temporary relief because they do not address the underlying disc damage.

Introducing Discseel: A Non-Surgical Solution

Discseel is an innovative, non-surgical procedure that repairs disc fissures by sealing them with a special biological sealant called fibrin. Unlike surgery, Discseel does not remove or negatively alter any part of the spine, preserving normal movement and function. By sealing the fissures, it prevents further leakage of inflammatory substances and helps relieve pain at its source.

Conclusion

This new understanding of lumbar disc pain helps explain why some patients continue to suffer despite “normal” MRI scans and no visible nerve compression. By recognizing that the disc itself can generate pain through nerve stimulation and inflammation, we can shift our focus toward treatments like Discseel that directly address disc fissures, which result in disc protrusions and bulges. Since Discseel is non-surgical, it preserves spinal motion and keeps other treatment options open, making it a promising choice for those seeking non-surgical relief from chronic back pain.