Current understanding of the etiopathogenesis of degenerative lumbar disc disease in children. Illumination of key aspects and perspectives

Low back pain is the most common complaint among people of any age, and degenerative disc disease (DHD) is the most common cause. Low back pain due to lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent athletes ranges from 8.8% to 47%. Features of the structure of intervertebral discs, a combination of genetic, mechanical, metabolic, and inflammatory factors create conditions for the development of degenerative changes in the vertebral motor segment, especially in intervertebral discs. The results of pathomorphological and magnetic resonance imaging studies show that degenerative changes in discs begin in childhood. Individual publications present data on the formation of a protrusion, even hernias occur in teenagers. Some publications have shown the effectiveness of drugs containing chondrocyte substitutes, indicating that early diagnosis of degenerative changes in the discs will allow timely treatment and secondary preventive measures. Further detailed research is needed to study the features of the development of degenerative changes in the discs in adolescents using imaging methods, taking into account the most common etiopathogenetic factors.