Harsha Nagar 51st International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine Annual Meeting 2025

Harsha Nagar

I am currently a Research Scientist in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh. I am also a member of the Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, as well as the Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center. My research focuses on understanding intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and its role in low back pain, with a particular emphasis on deep phenotyping of chronic low back pain (cLBP) through biomarker profiling. This approach aims to uncover underlying mechanisms and advance personalized treatment strategies. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy (B.P.T.) from India, followed by clinical experience as a physical therapist. This practical experience sparked my passion for research, leading me to pursue an M.S. and Ph.D. in Medical Science at Chungnam National University, South Korea, where I specialized in vascular physiology. My doctoral and postdoctoral training provided a strong foundation for my current translational research in musculoskeletal disorders.