Question

Herniation of the nucleus pulposis can occur in a posterolateral direction toward the ______. This result in ____ and severe _____.

Answer 1

Herniation of the nucleus pulposis can occur towards the anulus fibrosus, resulting in compression of a spinal nerve and pain in the affected body regions. The most common sites for disc herniation are L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral discs, causing sciatica.

Step-by-step explanation:

Herniation of the nucleus pulposis can occur in a posterolateral direction toward the anulus fibrosus. This results in compression of a spinal nerve at the point where it exits through the intervertebral foramen, causing pain and/or muscle weakness in the body regions supplied by that nerve. The most common sites for disc herniation are the L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral discs, which can cause sciatica - a widespread pain that radiates from the lower back down the thigh and into the leg.