There is a<unk>  between each of the vertebrae in the spine. A healthy, well-hydrated<unk>  will contain a great deal of water in its center, known as the nucleus pulposus, which provides cushioning and flexibility for the spine. Much of the mechanical stress that is caused by everyday movements is transferred to the<unk> s within the spine and the water content within them allows them to effectively absorb the shock. At birth, a typical human nucleus pulposus will contain about 80% water. However natural daily stresses and minor injuries can cause these<unk> s to gradually lose water as the annulus fibrosus, or the rigid outer shell of a<unk> , weakens. Because<unk>  is largely due to natural daily stresses, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists have suggested it is not truly a<unk> " process. This water loss makes the<unk> s less flexible and results in the gradual collapse and narrowing of the gap in the spinal column. As the space between vertebrae gets smaller, extra pressure can be placed on the<unk> s causing tiny cracks or tears to appear in the annulus. If enough pressure is exerted, it is possible for the nucleus pulposus material to seep out through the tears in the annulus and can cause what is known as a herniated<unk> . As the two vertebrae above and below the affected<unk>  begin to collapse upon each other, the facet joints at the back of the spine are forced to shift which can affect their function. Additionally, the body can react to the closing gap between vertebrae by creating bone spurs around the<unk>  space in an attempt to stop excess motion. This can cause issues if the bone spurs start to grow into the spinal canal and put pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerve roots as it can cause pain and affect nerve function. This condition is called spinal stenosis. For women, there is evidence that menopause and related estrogen-loss are associated with lumbar<unk>  degeneration, usually occurring during the first 15 years of the climacteric. The potential role of sex hormones in the etiology of<unk>  skeletal disorders is being<unk> ussed for both genders. Mutations in several genes have been implicated in intervertebral<unk>  degeneration. Probable candidate genes include type I collagen (sp1 site), type IX collagen, vitamin D receptor, aggrecan, asporin, MMP3, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 polymorphisms. Mutation in genes – such as MMP2 and THBS2 – that encode for proteins and enzymes involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix has been shown to contribute to lumbar<unk>  herniation.
Degenerative disc disease
Lumbar disc disease
Spinal disc herniation
Discitis
Spinal disease
Spinal tumor
Spinal stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis