Figure: High degrees of similarities in disc degeneration between twin siblings with different in occupation and life style.
It has been known that the cause of spinal disc degeneration is mainly due to physical loading. However, recent studies have discovered that certain genes are actually the factors that cause disc degeneration.
This recent study was the continuation of the finding of “Twin spine study” by the researcher Michele Cristes-Battles in 2008. One year after Cristes-Battles suggested that genetics play an important role in disc degeneration; he and Tapio Videman have identified a total of eight genes that are directly related to disc degeneration. This shows that disc degeneration can be a type of inheritable disease that is passed down to the next generation.
With the exploration of these eight genes, it will probably tell us who should avoid physical loading and whether obesity could be a risk factor for spine problems in certain people.
After discovering the eight genes that are related to disc degeneration, the researchers are now working on understanding the biological mechanism of these eight genes and trying to find out how the genes interact with the biological system.
References
ScienceDaily(Mar.17,2009), “Genes Linked To Spinal Disc Degeneration Identified”,
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312092438.htm
ScienceDaily (Apr. 9, 2008), “Back Pain May Be In Your Genes, Twin Study Suggests”,
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408160636.htm
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