Disc Herniations - Pathogenesis and Complications • 90% of Lumbar disc herniations happen at L4/5 and L5/S1 • 60% of cervical disc herniations happen at C6/7 Aging ->Degeneration of hydrophilic proteoglycans in the nucleus pulposus of the vertebral disc -> Disc less able to take up water (dehydration) decr shock-absorbing capacity -> Mechanical loading compresses/tears the annulus fibrosis -> Nucleus pulposus extrudes out through these tears -> Disc rupture/herniation! #DiscHerniations #complications #msk #pathophysiology
