The relationship between diabetes and low back pain

Researchers from the University of California reported that type 2 diabetes negatively affects the intervertebral discs that make up the spine, along with the many health complications it is associated with.

According to Medical News Today, the new study sought to determine whether diabetes affects the intervertebral discs, after previous studies found that type 2 diabetes affects the bones in several aspects, including the bones of the spine.

Diabetes and back pain

By studying animal models, researchers found that the compressive capacity of disc collagen fibers became compromised, causing the collagen to become stiff and brittle and making it difficult for the collagen to handle pressure as it would when healthy.

This finding explains why type 2 diabetics suffer from chronic body pain, including back pain.

The most important results of the study

The researchers used an experimental technique called synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to look for any change in the behavior of disc collagen at the nanoscale.

This discovery is considered a step towards developing therapeutic procedures for the disc problem, by correcting collagen deformities.

Previous studies have shown that diabetics have a 35% increased risk of lower back pain, and a 24% increased risk of neck pain compared to those who do not suffer from the disease.