Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB) recently announced successful preclinical trials for its proprietary adult stem cells in treating degenerative intervertebral disc disease, which is the leading cause of chronic lower back pain. Just one low dose injection of Mesoblast's adult stem cells resulted in reversal of the degenerative process, regrowth of cartilage and normalization of the discs.

The study suggests that discs can be repaired and lower back pain can be relieved by using adult stem cells. Since so many people suffer from this kind of back pain, this breakthrough could potentially help millions of people to live a life free of pain.

Currently, for those who suffer from severe lower back pain that won't go away, the only real option is for back surgery which is a major procedure and is not always successful. This procedure offers a potential alternative.

The market for such a product is estimated at $US 2 billion per year. Mesoblast plans to complete a phase 2 trial in the near future as the next step towards ultimate approval.