The superior and inferior aspects of the vertebral body are lined with hyaline cartilage. Adjacent vertebral bodies are separated by a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc .
What is the role of cartilage in the spinal column?
The cartilaginous discs between vertebrae absorb and distribute shock and keep the vertebrae from grinding together during movement .
Why there are discs of cartilage between the bones in the vertebral column?
These cartilage discs provide cushioning for the spine’s vertebrae . This greatly reduces the stress of impacts and ensures that the individual vertebrae do not rub against each other during bodily movements.
What is the function of intervertebral discs?
They provide separation and connectivity between vertebrae and counteract forces that act to lengthen or compress the spine or affect it in a torsional or shear manner. They also sufficiently separate the vertebrae to allow spinal nerves to exit the intervertebral foramina.
Which position puts the least pressure on the spine?
And while it may seem a bit counterintuitive, sitting down to “take a load off” can actually add quite a bit of pressure to our backs. When our back is in its ideal position, with us standing straight up or lying flat , we’re placing the least amount of pressure on the discs between vertebrae.
What is the cartilage between vertebrae called?
The spinal column is a composed of 33 spine bones (vertebrae), with the lower 9 vertebrae being fused (grown together) called the sacrum and coccyx. The vertebrae are stacked on top of each other like building blocks with a cartilage cushion (intervertebral disc) in between each vertebra.
How can I increase cartilage in my spine naturally?
- Legumes. For optimal joint function, it is important to beat inflammation wherever possible—inflammation is the primary source of collagen and, by extension, cartilage breakdown. ...
- Oranges. ...
- Pomegranates. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- Brown Rice. ...
- Nuts. ...
- Brussel Sprouts.
Can you rebuild cartilage in your spine?
Although articular cartilage is not capable of regrowing or healing itself , the bone tissue underneath it can. By making small cuts and abrasions to the bone underneath the area of damaged cartilage, doctors stimulate new growth. In some cases, the damaged cartilage is cleared away completely to do this procedure.
Which body organ is protected by spinal column?
The spinal cord , a pathway for messages between the brain and the body, is protected by the backbone, or spinal column. The ribs form a cage that shelters the heart and lungs, and the pelvis helps protect the bladder, part of the intestines, and in women, the reproductive organs.
Which intervertebral disc is the largest?
The intervertebral discs are largest and thickest in the lumbar region , because these vertebrae carry the bulk of the body’s weight. The discs are thinnest in the upper thoracic region.
What causes intervertebral disc disease?
Nongenetic factors that contribute to the risk of intervertebral disc disease are also being studied. These factors include aging, smoking, obesity, chronic inflammation, and driving for long periods of time (for example, as a long-haul trucker or taxi driver).
Which vertebra has an Odontoid process?
The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra) . It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
Which position puts the most pressure on the spine?
Sitting is becoming more prevalent while at work, and having a sedentary desk job can result in sitting for around 8 hours a day. This position actually increases the load on your spine more than standing. Spinal pressure “sits” around 140mm pressure.
Does sitting put pressure on spine?
Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be a major cause of back pain, cause increased stress of the back, neck, arms and legs and can add a tremendous amount of pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs.
What puts the most pressure on the spine?
Even laying on your side is appreciably more stress than laying flat. At the other end of the spectrum, sitting while leaning forward and lifting weight puts the most strain across your back. When dealing with significant lower back pain, keep this in mind.
Why is disc degeneration so painful?
Pain associated with degenerative disc disease generally stems from two main factors: Inflammation . Inflammatory proteins from the disc space interior can leak out as the disc degenerates, causing swelling in the surrounding spinal structures.
