In addition, our results show that the degenerative microenvironment of human NP cells is able to induce the migration and activation of microglia through CCLs, particularly CCL-2, and inflammatory mediators, including IL-6 and IL-8, which are believed to be essential for the induction of IVD degeneration followed by neuropathic pain. This evidence concerns the gene CXCL8 and neuropathic pain.