Peptides for Disc Degeneration & Back Pain

Intervertebral disc degeneration is the most common cause of chronic lower back pain, affecting an estimated 80% of adults at some point in their lives. In the UK, back pain is the leading cause of disability and accounts for millions of lost working days annually. Current treatments range from physiotherapy and pain management to surgical intervention, but no approved treatment reverses disc degeneration itself.

Peptide research has identified candidates that may address the inflammatory and degenerative processes underlying disc disease. BPC-157 has shown anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective effects in preclinical models, while growth hormone secretagogues may support the anabolic processes needed for disc matrix maintenance through IGF-1 pathways.

Disc degeneration involves loss of proteoglycans and water content from the nucleus pulposus, leading to reduced disc height, nerve compression, and pain. The avascular nature of intervertebral discs makes healing particularly challenging, as nutrient delivery depends on diffusion rather than blood supply.

All information is educational. Back pain and disc problems should be assessed by a GP, physiotherapist, or spinal specialist per NICE NG59.