Biomedical disc could improve treatment of chronic back pain

According to a statement, an artificial spinal disc that duplicates the natural motion of the spine has been licensed from Brigham Young University (BYU) to a Utah-based company called Crocker Spinal Technologies.

The device is designed to slide in between the vertebrae of the human spine where there are 23 cartilage-filled discs that hold the vertebrae together and allow for spine movement.

While the discs are critical for movement, they can become the source of back pain when they degenerate or become herniated — a major health problem that is said to affect 85 per cent of Americans and costs the US economy $100bn (£64bn) every year.

‘Low back pain has been described as the most severe pain you can experience that won’t kill you,’ said Anton Bowden, a BYU biomechanics and spine expert. ‘This device has the potential to alleviate that pain and restore the natural motion of the spine — something current procedures can’t replicate.’