Jeff LangmaidFounder, The Evidence Based Chiropractor

The Hidden Impact of Disc pH Changes on Pain

26 Oct 2025 · 1 min

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0:31

In this segment, the speaker explains that intervertebral disc tissue contains ion channels highly sensitive to pH fluctuations. Elevated lactate production and reduced perfusion lower disc pH, which, together with biomechanical and annular alterations, fosters vascular granulation and neurovascular (nerve) ingrowth into the disc. This neurovascular bundle creates a fertile substrate for pain and functional impairment.

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Man. These neural tissues have ion channels that are really sensitive to ph changes. Well, we just talked about the ph changing with increased lactate, with decreased flush, and that's a problem. So biomechanical changes and annular changes can create an environment with vascular granulation and neonural growth. That means those nerve fibers, that neurovascular bundle growing into the disc, which, when that happens, that creates fertile ground for pain and dysfunction.