09/11/2025
This illustration depicts the progressive stages of intervertebral disc degeneration in the human lumbar spine.
It begins with a normal, healthy disc, showing full height and hydration between vertebrae, and transitions through stages of degeneration, bulging, herniation, and thinning.
The final stage illustrates osteophyte (bone spur) formation, representing advanced wear and structural instability.
Each stage visually demonstrates how the disc’s cushioning and flexibility diminish over time, affecting spinal alignment and nerve function.
The detailed anatomical rendering provides a clear and educational view of spinal health deterioration from a clinical perspective.