How Do Lumbar and Cervical Hernias Form?

Between our vertebrae, there are disk structures responsible for shock absorption, providing mobility, and preventing the early deformation of spinal joints. In front of these disks is a wide and strong protective structure called the ALL (anterior longitudinal ligament), which prevents them from bending forward. Similarly, there is a structure called the PLL (posterior longitudinal ligament) that attaches to the disks longitudinally from the back, preventing them from bending backward. Especially in cases where the lordosis (curvature) of the lumbar and cervical regions decreases (lumbar-cervical flattening) and when bending forward, the disks tend to bend backward, creating a risk of pressure on the nerves passing through the channel behind the disks, like electrical cables. As the PLL narrows in the channel as it descends to lower levels, it cannot provide as much protection as the ALL in the front. Therefore, in situations where the lordosis decreases or when bending forward, the disks tend to bend backward, especially from the lateral side of the PLL, towards the nerves. If these bends do not return to their position when the position is corrected, this condition is called a Disk Hernia. If disk hernias grow large enough to press on the nerves, they cause complaints such as pain, numbness, loss of sensation, or loss of strength in the area where the nerve travels. From an osteopathic perspective, organ dysfunctions are also evaluated in the formation of disk hernias. Many disk hernias can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and osteopathy approaches. If you have similar complaints, consult your physiotherapist...