Introduction to Lumbar Degeneration

Many friends may not know much about the causes of lumbar degeneration, so we recommend that you read the contents of this article. The general types of lumbar degeneration include degeneration of the lumbar disc nucleus pulposus, degeneration of the cartilage end plates, and degeneration of the vertebral bodies. When you encounter lumbar degeneration in your life, you should analyze which type it is in order to treat the disease.

The lumbar vertebra is the hub of human trunk movement, and all body activities increase the burden on the lumbar vertebra. With age, excessive activity and overload accelerate the aging of the lumbar vertebra, and under the action of external forces, secondary pathological changes occur, resulting in rupture of the annulus fibrosus and protrusion of the nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc, causing low back pain and neurological dysfunction.

Degeneration of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc is a tissue rich in water and small molecular elastic mucoglycoprotein. It contains chondrocytes and fibroblasts. The water content can reach more than 80% in childhood, which decreases with age and can reach 70% in old age. The amount of water content in the intervertebral disc determines its intrinsic pressure level and elastic state. Degeneration of the nucleus pulposus often occurs on the basis of degeneration of bone joints and annulus fibrosus. When the load on the lumbar spine increases, the intervertebral space pressure increases and the degeneration of the intervertebral disc accelerates, the cracks in the annulus fibrosus deepen, and the degenerated nucleus pulposus protrudes to the edge along the cracks, which causes lumbar disc herniation.

Degeneration of the cartilaginous endplates. The cartilage endplates of the intervertebral disc become thinner, calcified, and incomplete with age, and produce cystic changes and chondrocyte necrosis. The attachment points of the annulus fibrosus loosen, accompanied by a decrease in the water content of the nucleus pulposus, and the cartilage endplates cannot be regenerated and repaired. Degeneration of the cartilage endplate will reduce the function of the translucent membrane in the exchange of intervertebral disc fluid and accelerate the degeneration of the lumbar disc.

Degeneration of the lumbar vertebrae. After the surface of the lumbar vertebra is damaged, hematomas form above and below the periosteum, fibroblasts become active, and gradually grow into the hematoma, replacing the hematoma with granulation tissue. As the hematoma becomes organized and calcified, osteophytes (bone spurs) are eventually formed, protruding into the spinal canal or out of the vertebral body. The formation of osteophytes is a protective measure of the body, which can stabilize the vertebrae, avoid abnormal activities and increase the weight-bearing plane. However, the development of osteophytes in the spinal canal and pedicles will compress the spinal nerves and dura mater sac and cause different nerve root compression symptoms.

Degeneration of the lumbar facet joints. The intervertebral disc and facet joints form a triangular support structure between the vertebrae to stabilize the relationship between the vertebrae. When the lumbar spine degenerates or the intervertebral joints are damaged, the stability of the facet joints is destroyed and pathological changes occur. The lumbar joint stability decreases, the joint space and intervertebral foramen narrow, and the nerve roots are compressed, resulting in symptoms.

Based on this article’s introduction to the disease of lumbar spondylosis, we should all know the types of lumbar spondylosis. For cases of lumbar vertebrae degeneration, we should use the correct methods to treat it in our lives so as not to cause inflammation or vertebral damage.