Herniated Disc: Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention
Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 06:19 Written by admin Tuesday, 26 January 2010 06:18
Herniated discs are generally caused by wear and tear of the disc. When a person ages, the vertebral disc will lose some of the fluid that helps keep the spine flexible. Herniated discs are also caused by injuries to the spine. This injury could cause tiny tears or cracks on the outer layer (Annulus Fibrosus). The inner layer with the gel-like substance is forced though the tears or cracks causing the disc to bulge, rupture, or break into pieces.
Causes of Injury to the Spine
There are many activities or accidents that can cause an injury to the spine. When there is sudden heavy strain or an increase of pressure to the lower back, a herniated disc can become worse. Sudden twisting or even forceful sneezing can force the gel-like substance through the disc’s outer layer.
Herniated Disc: The Complete Definition
Last Updated on Monday, 25 January 2010 02:33 Written by admin Monday, 25 January 2010 03:25
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.
Learn MoreHerniated Disc: Symptoms
Last Updated on Monday, 1 February 2010 07:21 Written by admin Monday, 25 January 2010 02:31
The most common area for a herniated disc is the lumbar spine (lower back) or the cervical spine (neck). However, herniated discs can also happen in the thoracic spine (upper back). The symptoms of pain differ depending on the location of the herniated disc. Pain is caused when the gel-like substance that seeps through the tough outer material presses against the nerve roots.
Vertebral discs are categorized into segments. These are described as follows:
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