By Chris Faubel, MD –
Although once thought to have no innervation and therefore unable to produce pain, the intervertebral disc has been found to be quite well innervated. It is still believed by some that only the outer 1/3 of the disc has innervation, though others have found nerve endings much deeper (especially in diseased/damaged discs).
Nikolai Bogduk describes two large plexuses that supply the intervertebral discs (IVDs) and other structures (anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, and vertebral body).
Image from "Clinical Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine and Sacrum" by Nikolai Bogduk
- Anterior plexus
- Posterior plexus
