The Gut-Disc Axis: Unraveling the Microbiome's Role in Lumbar Disc Herniation.

ABSTRACT: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is one of the most common causes of low back and leg pain. While mechanical and degenerative factors have long been considered the main contributors, persistent or recurrent symptoms in many patients suggest additional biological mechanisms. Recent research has highlighted the microbiome as a potential modulator of inflammation, immune response, and pain sensitization, introducing the "gut-spine axis" concept. This scoping review summarizes the current evidence on the role of both gut and local disc microbiota in LDH. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus was conducted up to June 2025, following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Twenty-six studies were included, e

SUBMITTER: Ambrosio L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12890388 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature