[Modern concepts of intervertebral disc degeneration]

The widespread prevalence of degenerative spine diseases and achievements in the treatment of these lesions have not yet led to an answer the main question: «What is the etiology of spine degeneration?» Treatment will remain symptomatic if primary cause of disease will be unclear. However, improvement of genetic and molecular survey gradually clarifies the mechanisms underlying degenerative processes. The latest knowledge in regenerative medicine seem promising. Nevertheless, further advances in understanding the fundamental processes in human organism are followed by additional questions and unsolved problems. The authors analyzed the best-studied modern theories of degeneration in this brief review devoted to current concepts of intervertebral disc degeneration.