 Injuries of nerves can lead to degeneration of the parent nerve cells, the neurons. Recent evidence indicates that herniated lumbar disc exerts mechanical pressure on spinal nerve roots that leads to local ischemia and inflammation resulting in nerve injury i.e. neurotrauma. This neurotrauma can lead to degeneration of the corresponding nerve cells dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons and spinal cord motoneurons, resulting in persistent deficits in motor functions, sensation and pain. Enhancing nerve cell survival capabilities i.e., neuroprotection, therefore, should prove a novel therapeutic strategy for slowing or preventing degeneration of neurons resulting from herniated lumbar disc compression. Yet, in spite of an intensive search, clinically effective and safe neuroprotective therapeutic is not available. 