Morphology of the cervical intervertebral disc: implications for McKenzie's model of the disc derangement syndrome

Studies which have examined the cervical intervertebral disc have demonstrated that it is not morphologically similar to the lumbar intervertebral disc. Yet review of the clinical literature has revealed that clinicians have often based clinical theories on the assumption that the cervical and lumbar discs do have a similar structure. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature regarding the morphology of the cervical intervertebral disc in relation to McKenzie's clinical theories which claim that the nucleus pulposus of the adult cervical intervertebral disc may be repositioned. Discussion of the proposed biological mechanisms underlying examination and treatment techniques is imperative if the basis of these techniques is to be better understood.