Synonyms in the wider sense

prolapsed intervertebral disc of the lumbar vertebrae, nucleus pulposus prolaps, NPP, Nucleus-pulposus-prolaps, disc prolaps, protrusion

Related terms: ischiadic pain, intervertebral disc bulge, intervertebral disc protrusion, lumbago, lumbaralgie, lumbago, lumbar ischiadical pain, back pain, intervertebral disc, intervertebral disc prosthesis

Definition

The term “prolapsed intervertebral disc” stands for the sudden or slowly progressing moving or escape of substance of the nucleus pulposus (jelly-like centre of the intervertebral disc) of one intervertebral disc backwards into the spinal channel or back and sidewards (nerve root). As a result of this, pressure on the nerve roots can cause pain, signs of paralysis and / or irritation of sensorial perception.

Prolapsed intervertebral discs occur more often within the lumbar vertebral column than the neck vertebral column.