Herniated Disc: The Complete Definition
In order to understand what a herniated disc is, it is necessary to understand the function of the twenty three vertebral discs found throughout the spinal column. Vertebral discs are the small, spongy discs that cushion the vertebrae, which are the bones that make up the major part of your spine. The main function of vertebral discs is to provide cushioning and act as a shock absorber between adjacent vertebrae that help to keep the spine flexible.
Understanding the Makeup of the Vertebral Disc
A vertebral disc is made up of two parts. It consists of a tough outer material and a soft inner core. The tough outer material is called the Annulus Fibrosus. It is made up of collagen fibers that surround the inner material. The inner core (Nucleus Pulposus) is made up of a gel-like substance, which is what helps the disc to act as a shock absorber.
Definition of a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a disc that bulges, breaks open, or breaks into pieces when it is damaged. A herniated disc is also sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc. A herniated disc occurs when the Nucleus Pulposus (gel-like substance) breaks through the Annulus Fibrosus (collagen fibers) of a vertebral disc.
Progression of a Herniated Disc
There are four stages, which are:
- Disc protrusion – This is when the gel like substance starts a small bulge, but has not yet broken through the Annulus Fibrosus.
- Prolapsed disc – This is when the bulge caused in the disc protrusion stage becomes a larger bulge, but still has not broken through the Annulus FIbrosus or tough outer material.
- Disc extrusion – The outer material has been broken and the gel like material seeps out.
- Sequestered disc – This is the last stage where the gel-like material has broken through the Annulus Fibrosus AND the vertebrae.
The first two stages are the beginning. They are not yet considered to be a herniated disc. Stages 3 and 4 are considered to be a complete herniated disc. Pain from a herniated disc can be combined with a neurological deficit. This deficit can cause sensory changes, such as tingling and numbness or motor changes, such as weakness and reflex loss. These changes occur when there is pressure from the interior disc material.
What Stage does the Pain Begin
Pain can begin at stage 3 when the gel-like substance breaks through and begins to press against the nerve root. A herniated disc can occur slowly over time. It can take weeks or months to reach a point when the pain is unbearable enough to seek medical attention. However, pain could occur suddenly if there is lifting or twisting that can aggravate a weak disc.
Herniated Disc Causes
A herniated disc can be caused from an injury or by simple wear and tear. As people age, the elasticity and water content of the nucleus decreases. Those between the ages of 30 and 50 years old are the most vulnerable.
