Lumbar pathologies are complex in their manifestations and treatment, but they are based on a very simple physiological mechanism. At the core of our spine are the intervertebral discs, true natural shock absorbers that ensure the flexibility and mobility of the back. Over time, these structures undergo progressive wear, more or less accelerated by the environment and habits.
"Mechanically, it's very simple: you have discs, and when the discs get damaged, we start to have an equivalent of osteoarthritis, that is to say, degenerative disc disease," explains Dr. Dupeyron.
The progressive deterioration of the structure and function of the intervertebral discs leads to a decrease in their ability to absorb shocks and to evenly distribute the pressures exerted on the spine. Two consequences:
- the onset of pain that can become chronic;
- the limitation of movements that impacts the quality of life of affected individuals.
And contrary to what one might think, the solution is not to immobilize the back.