Intervertebral discs are composed of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. Photo Courtesy of: SpineUniverse.com. The annulus fibrosus is a strong radial tire –like structure made up of lamellae; concentric sheets of collagen fibers connected to the vertebral end plates. The sheets are orientated at various angles.
What can cause damage to the intervertebral discs?
- Bone spurs.
- Certain illnesses, such as diabetes, thyroid disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Herniated disc problem.
- Hobbies.
- Injuries.
- Obesity.
- Repetitive motion from work.
Where is an intervertebral discs located?
An intervertebral disc (or intervertebral fibrocartilage) lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column . Each disc forms a fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis), to allow slight movement of the vertebrae, to act as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together, and to function as a shock absorber for the spine.
What happens to your intervertebral disc?
With aging and degeneration, disc cells undergo substantially biologic changes , including alternation of cell type in the nucleus pulposus, increased cell density but decreased number of viable cells as a result of increased cell death and increased cell proliferation, increased cell senescence, and altered cell ...
What are the functions of the intervertebral disc in the joint?
It provides cushioning for the vertebrae and reduce the stress caused by impact . They act shock absorber for the spine. They help protect the nerves that run down the spine and between the vertebrae.
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. Intervertebral discs are made up of 2 parts.
Which position puts the least pressure on the spine?
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. When we sit down and cause the back to curve, we add close to 50 percent as much pressure to these discs as when we’re standing.
What is the best treatment for disc problems?
- heat treatment (for example heat wraps or hot packs)
- gradually increasing activity levels within pain limits.
- an exercise program designed to improve strength, flexibility and fitness.
- a short-term (less than 12 week) trial of massage, spinal mobilisation or manual therapy.
Can you become paralyzed from degenerative disc disease?
A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis . Disc herniation is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).
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.
Can intervertebral discs heal?
Treatment Overview
Usually a herniated disc heals on its own . So most of the time nonsurgical treatment is tried first, including: Heat or ice, exercise, and other steps at home to help with pain and make your back stronger. For more information, see Home Treatment.
At what age does disc desiccation start?
Daily activities and sports, which cause tears in the outer core of the disc. By age 60 , most people have some degree of disc degeneration.
What are the stages of degenerative disc disease?
- Stage 1 – Dysfunction. As the spine begins to deteriorate, its curvature begins to change and show signs of misalignment. ...
- Stage 2 – Dehydration of spinal discs and beginning of spurring. ...
- Stage 3 – Stabilization. ...
- Chiropractic treatment for spinal degeneration.
What are the two main roles of intervertebral discs?
The intervertebral discs have the following functions: They provide cushioning for the vertebrae and reduce the stress caused by impact . By keeping the vertebrae separated from each other, they act as a type of shock absorber for the spine. They help protect the nerves that run down the spine and between the vertebrae.
What is the function of the discs in the human backbone?
The discs throughout the spine have three primary functions: They act as a shock absorbers in the spine , positioned between each bony vertebra. They act as tough ligaments that hold the vertebrae of the spine together. They are cartilaginous joints that allow for slight mobility in the spine.
What are the 2 parts of the intervertebral discs?
The intervertebral disc is made up of two components: the annulus fibrosus and thenucleus pulposus .
