[On alleged radicular pain in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc hernias]

A review is presented of opinions on the sources and mechanisms of pain in patients with hernias of the lumbar intervertebral discs in particular, on the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of the so called pseudoradicular syndromes in discopathies. The diagnosis of pseudoradicular syndromes reflecting the degree of involvement by the disease process of the osteoarticular and ligamentous spinal structures and the condition of spinal muscles is of importance for the therapeutic management, providing information on the necessity of avoiding rehabilitation procedures contributing to destabilization of the segmental system of the spine (certain types of exercises, exercises in suspension with large amplitude of movements, certain manual procedures) and on the use of procedures reducing the stress on the spine and strengthening it (special positions in bed, isometric exercises, balneotherapy in later stage).