Low back pain (LBP) is a common clinical problem with great socio- economic impact on the aging population. Because of the lack of precise knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration, the current diagnosis of discogenic LBP is un- certain, and current methods of managing discogenic LBP are not scientific or evidence based. Many nonsurgical and surgical treatments of LBP are ineffective, a fact that further increases the costs of health care as well as the number of pa- tients with chronic LBP and failed back syndrome.