Millions of Americans suffer from lower back pain, and many have no idea what’s causing it. According to researchers from Johns Hopkins, “Swiss cheese bones” may be to blame. The researchers hypothesized that over time, the tissues in the spinal column change and deteriorate, which can lead to abnormal nerve growth. This in turn, can explain why the spine’s normal load-bearing work becomes more painful with age.
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To test their hypothesis, the researchers examined bony end plates of vertebrae from genetically engineered mice aged 20 months and older, which equates to around 70-80 years old in human aging standards. The endplates help protect the vertebral bones from the weight of the body by offering a cushion. Researcher Xu Cao explained, “The cartilage endplate is the cushion on a seat that makes it more comfortable. But, like similar tissue in knee and hip joints, it succumbs to wear and tear over time.”
The researchers found that the soft tissue in the mice’s spines had hardened, causing holes. “Cartilage does not typically have nerve and blood vessels. However, when cartilage becomes a porous bony structure with growth of nerve fibers, it could be the source of back pain,” Cao said. The researchers noted that the bone filled with holes resembled Swiss cheese.
When cartilage endplates become bony structures with holes due to aging, excessive pain-sensing nerves have room to enter due to the lack of cartilage. This invites abnormal cell growth, and the process can lead to lower back pain.
If you suffer from back pain, visiting a chiropractor could help. Lower back pain, a leading reason for opioid prescriptions, may also potentially be avoided through proper body mechanics and posture, reducing stress on muscles and joints. For simple, effective approaches for safely preventing and treating back pain, click here.