Disque intervertébral et structures voisines de la colonne lombaire : anatomie, biologie, physiologie et biomécanique

The lumbar spine can resist external stress and provide multidirectional mobility to the body, at the same time. Main anatomical structures of the lumbar spine are the intervertebral disk and the facet joints that are embedded in muscles and ligaments to provide resistance and mobility to the body. The main structure implicated in the pathogenesis of low back pain is the intervertebral disc, especially its degeneration, which is a prerequisite to disk herniation. The inflammatory process and mechanical stress are the two main causes of intervertebral disk degeneration. The anatomy, biology, physiology, and biomechanics of the lumbar spine are reviewed.