| DISK HERNIATION Your spine is made up of interlocking stacks of bone called vertebrae. Between each pair of vertebrae is a disc, which cushions the bones to allow for smooth motion. The disc has a soft fluid interior called a nucleus and outer layers of fibrous material, which make up a protective shell referred to as the annulus fibrosis. Discs allow your vertebrae to shift back and forth, adding flexibility and strength to your spine when you bend or twist. Functionally, they can be described as the "shock absorbers" of your spine. When too much pressure is placed on the spine, a disc can bulge (the nucleus stays inside the annulus, but tears through several of the interior layers to cause a bulge in the annulus into the spinal canal), or if large forces are applied, the disc can rupture. This is refereed to as a herniated disc and the nucleus actually breaks through the entire annulus and into the spinal canal. Two examples of herniated discs can be found below; the left diagram is of a laterally herniated disc, the right is of a centrally herniated disc:
As we age, the water content in the disc progressively diminishes. As the disc dries out, it loses its ability to absorb shock. This causes the shocks to be transmitted to ligaments and surrounding tissues which then may also be injured. Dehydrated discs do not generally become herniated. In the lumbar spine, if sensitive nerves near the disc are compressed or inflamed, pain may also be felt in the buttocks, hip or leg, which is often referred to as "sciatica". In the neck, pain may appear in the shoulder, arm or hand. Other symptoms might include numbness and/or tingling or muscle weakness in the same areas. These last two symptoms are referred to as "neurological deficits" and appear when the nerve root is severely affected. Any of these symptoms combined with a loss of bowel/bladder control is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY and should be attended to at the nearest emergency room, otherwise, your family doctor and chiropractor can work together to alleviate your symptoms and strengthen your back. |
| >> Childbirth >> Children >> Carpal Tunnel >> Headaches >> Neck Pain >> Whiplash >> Lower Back Pain >> Scoliosis >> Nervous System >> Posture |
©2001 Total Health Associates
Contact Webmaster