A herniated disk (called ruptured disks and slipped disks as well) is where the nucleus pulposus sticks out from the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disk. Herniated disks are painful and sometimes feel numb because they impinge on the roots of nerves. They are caused by lifting something improperly or by direct trauma.

Kyphosis is where the normal posterior curve is exaggerated so that the individual appears to be hunchback. It is recognizable by the individual as having a caved-in head, hanging arms posterior to the body, and the head will be moving forward. Causes of kyphosis include vitamin D deficiency (rickets), intervertebral disks that are declining (typically in elderly people), tuberculosis of the spine, the pectoralis major and minor and serratus anterior muscles experiencing chronic spasticity, and major and minor muscles having weak rhomboid muscles.

Lordosis is sometimes perceived as hyperlordosis as it exaggerates the anterior curvature of the lumbar concavity. After this, the abdominal muscles are commonly weakened while the back muscles tighten. This is a spinal condition that will become worse if the individual gains weight or is pregnant and gains weight. Someone with this condition may also experience trouble with the hamstrings. The therapist can help the client to prevent further exacerbation of this problem by promoting abdominal strengthening. The muscles should be treated with a posterior and anterior tilt for an individual with lordosis.