Back Pain May Be Inherited
Study Suggests Role for Genes in Painful Disc Disorders
In the University of Utah study, there appeared to be a genetic component to whether disc disease caused symptoms.
“We really can’t say from this study if people who are genetically predisposed have more disc problems or if they just experience more pain,” Patel says.
A growing body of research suggests that susceptibility to pain is inherited, although no actual pain genes have been identified, he adds.
Back surgeon Daryll C. Dykes, MD, PhD, tells WebMD that he is not surprised by the findings from the Utah study.
Dykes is a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a surgeon with the Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis.
“We have had strong suspicions that genes are a factor in low back pain, but we haven’t had good scientific studies to back that up,” he says.
He says people with a family history of low back pain can lower their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, performing cardiovascular and core strengthening exercises, and not smoking.
Back Pain May Be Inherited
Study Suggests Role for Genes in Painful Disc Disorders
Pain Perception May Be Driven by Genes
In the University of Utah study, there appeared to be a genetic component to whether disc disease caused symptoms.
“We really can’t say from this study if people who are genetically predisposed have more disc problems or if they just experience more pain,” Patel says.
A growing body of research suggests that susceptibility to pain is inherited, although no actual pain genes have been identified, he adds.
Back surgeon Daryll C. Dykes, MD, PhD, tells WebMD that he is not surprised by the findings from the Utah study.
Dykes is a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a surgeon with the Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis.
“We have had strong suspicions that genes are a factor in low back pain, but we haven’t had good scientific studies to back that up,” he says.
He says people with a family history of low back pain can lower their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, performing cardiovascular and core strengthening exercises, and not smoking.
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