Lactic Acid Disc Calcification for Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for intervertebral disc-related pain, such as low back pain and neck pain, are either invasive or unsatisfactorily effective, and there is a need for a safer and more efficient method to address the pain caused by degenerating discs.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising lactic acid or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts is administered locally into the intervertebral disc to accelerate the ageing process, transforming the disc into solid and dense connective tissue, thereby reducing pain by limiting fluid leakage and nerve growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If surgical stabilization is performed to reduce disc movement, then pain from nerve compression is reduced, but the treatment becomes invasive with associated risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the painful element (mobile disc causing nerve compression) by inducing calcification of the disc, transforming it from a mobile cartilaginous structure to a fixed bony structure, thereby eliminating the need for surgical stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the disc by introducing calcium phosphate deposits through local injection, transforming the disc material from soft cartilage to hardened calcified tissue, achieving stabilization without surgery
2Stress or pressure
If chemonucleolysis is used to dissolve the nucleus pulposus, then pressure on nerves is reduced, but the treatment does not address the underlying degeneration and may worsen disc stability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dissolving the nucleus pulposus as in chemonucleolysis, the invention promotes calcification and solidification of the disc materials, reversing the degradation process by transforming soft tissue into stable bony structures that provide long-term stability
3Reliability
If cell rejuvenation or regeneration is attempted, then disc function may be restored, but the nutritionally deprived environment prevents successful cell survival
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of nutritional deprivation and disc degeneration into a beneficial outcome by inducing controlled calcification, where the degenerative process is redirected to form stable bony structures that eliminate pain rather than attempting to reverse degeneration
4Ease of operation
If the intervertebral disc remains flexible to allow motion, then spinal mobility is maintained, but the disc may leak or herniate causing pain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the disc by inducing calcification, transforming it from a flexible shock-absorbing structure to a rigid stabilizing structure, accepting reduced mobility as a trade-off for eliminating herniation and leakage
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The treatment effectively increases the stiffness of the intervertebral disc, leading to decreased pain and improved mobility, with the added benefits of being less invasive and more cost-effective compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
A composition comprising lactic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered locally into an intervertebral disc in order to accelerate the ageing process
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to intervertebral disc-related pain, such as low back pain, chronic low back pain, neck pain, chronic neck pain and coccygodynia. A composition for use in the treatment of intervertebral disc-related pain is provided. The composition comprises lactic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The composition is administered into a disc space comprising the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc.