Among the factors contributing to the occurrence of intervertebral space herniation is hereditary predisposition, age, poor posture, excessive body weight, injuries, weight lifting, etc.

It is characteristic that lifting a 10 kgr weight from the floor results to the exertion of a 100 kgr weight on the lumbar discs. In order for the spine to withstand the impact of these forces it is supported by converting of the thoracic & abdominal cavity into rigid cylinders with muscle contractions during lifting. In this way we have a 30% decrease of the pressure exerted on the discs.

The pressure on the discs causes nuclear expansion forces that are exerted on the walls of the disc, if they do not exceed its resistance, then part of the disc protrudes to the spinal canal. The result is the creation of a hernia, which causes symptoms when pressing the nerve roots.

A back pain crisis does not always need great weight lifting to occur. In the case where there is deterioration of the intervertebral disc, it may even occur with a minor bending or sneezing, or a simple laughter.

The presence of a herniated intervertebral disc is confirmed with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.