Lumbar disc herniation

Lumbar disc herniation is a condition caused by varying degrees of degenerative changes (lumbar spine aging) in the lumbar intervertebral disc (including the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and cartilage endplate). Under the influence of external forces, the annulus fibrosus ruptures, and the nucleus pulposus protrudes (or extrudes) through the rupture into the posterior or spinal canal, leading to irritation or compression of adjacent nerves. It is a common cause of low back and leg pain.