What are Discs?

Discs are the spaces between your vertebrae that run the length of your spine. Their major role is to act as a shock absorbers. As their springy form allows them to contract under pressure and absorb forces that would otherwise damage the vertebrae's inflexible bone.

The second job of your discs is to make mobility easier. Facet joints are two joints on the side of each disc that works with your disc to allow two vertebrae to slide around each other. Each facet joint is individually formed to allow for a specific range of motion, resulting in a highly flexible and strong spinal column.

These two functions clearly reflect the structure of a disc:

  • A tough outer layer of fibrous tissue called the annulus and a gel-like interior layer called the nucleus.

If you zoom in on the annulus, you'll notice that it's made up of crisscrossing threads stacked in onion layers. That allows for some movement while maintaining tension, similar to rope fibers.

The tough annulus also keeps the two vertebrae on either side together and acts as a barrier to keep the highly compressible nucleus. Which gives the disc its shock-absorbing capabilities, contained.

What causes disc injury?

Because each disc's nucleus contains a lot of water, they progressively shrink in size over the day as the body dehydrates slightly. Then fill back up at night, As a result, you're slightly taller and more prone to feel stiff in the morning.

Water absorption in the nucleus slows with age, which is one of the many mechanisms that contribute to normal disc degeneration. The less protection your discs provide for the vertebrae on either side, the more discomfort, degenerative arthritis, and/or injury you will experience.

Discs can prolapse as a result of either gradual wear and strain or an acute injury. This occurs when the annulus becomes weaker or damaged and is no longer able to effectively retain the nucleus within. Causing the disc to expand and become malformed.

A prolapsed disc is the medical name for a slipped disc, which we won't use because a disc is firmly attached to the vertebrae on either side and cannot slip.

When a prolapsed disc causes pain or numbness in the hips, legs, or buttocks, it is because the bulge presses against the nerves in your spine, causing sciatica. A prolapsed disc can press on the spinal cord in extreme circumstances. But this is a medical emergency that would be impossible to miss.

Discs can be the cause of your back pain.

While degenerated discs can aggravate back disorders like arthritis. Unless you have a symptomatic prolapsed disc, your discs are unlikely to be responsible for your back pain.If you have any questions feel free to get in touch with me at elitesportsphysio07@gmail.com or book an appointment by calling 882-621-5518