Compressive Creep Behavior of Normal and Degenerative Intervertebral Discs

Introduction Dynamic loading is essential for maintaining intervertebral disc health since a major nutritional mechanism is load-induced fluid transport, and intermittent stress can stimulate matrix production. Yet, excessive dynamic loading can be detrimental. Currently, the boundary between therapeutic and injurious spinal stress is undefined. To address this, we have developed an approach that combines mathematical and animal models of dynamic spinal compression. The main objective of this study was to determine whether a three-parameter fluid transport model [1] could accurately predict the disc’s response to compression. Also, we questioned whether model parameters differ between normal and degenerated discs.