The most common serious back problems happen when disks tear, bulge, or burst open (rupture). In such cases, an injured disk can no longer cushion the vertebrae and absorb shock. As a result, the rest of your spine may also weaken. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

A sudden movement may cause a tiny tear in an annulus. Nearby ligaments may stretch.

As a disk wears out, the nucleus may bulge into the annulus and press on nerves.

When a disk ruptures, its nucleus can squeeze out and irritate a nerve.

As disks wear out over time, bone spurs form. These growths can irritate nerves and inflame facets.

As a disk stretches, the vertebrae slip back and forth. This can put pressure on the annulus.

With this condition, one vertebra has moved forward or backward, in relation to the one above or below it. This causes a crack (stress fracture) in the areas that link the vertebrae together. This may put pressure on the annulus, stretch the disk, and irritate nerves.