Methods for studying disc mechanobiology

For understanding intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration associated back pain and for the development of suitable treatment strategies, it is important to know how mechanical influences regulate cellular responses and their impact on disc physiology and pathology. Understanding of IVD mechano-biology at normal and degenerated conditions is essential for the development of suitable treatment strategies – both regarding surgical and regenerative applications. This presentation aims to summarize the benefits and limitations of different models for studying disc mechanobiology from the macroscopic to the cellular level – with consideration of normal physiological, degenerative and injured conditions.