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INTERVERETEBRAL DISCS AND BACK PAIN…

barmac5

anatomy-spine

Disc bulges/prolapsed/slipped are very common back complaints/injuries, but it’s no wonder with the amount of work they are put through.

From the second cervical vertebrae right down to the sacrum, the bodies of adjacent vertebrae are separated by these discs.

Each disc has a tough outer fibrous ring and an inner, soft, very elastic core. The discs cushion the vertebrae and permit movements of your spine while absorbing vertical shock.

The inner jelly like core of the disc can absorb fluid and swell. However this is normally counteracted by the weight of the body pressing the discs between the vertebrae.

At night while you are asleep the swelling process is not put under any pressure so the discs can then expand back to normal again. This explains why we are somewhat taller when we get up in the morning than we are towards the end of the day.

The ‘slipped disc’ is in fact a disc from which the jelly like content has bulged or escaped their normal boundaries (herniated or prolapsed) causing the disc to impinge on your ligaments and nerves. And, although herniated discs do not always cause problems, they can produce some painful symptoms.

Looking after your discs is therefore very important and some contributing factors to slipped/prolapsed/herniated discs are often the result of bad posture and poor body mechanics during daily activities. Things like bending and lifting incorrectly can cause them as can an injury due to sports. As we age, the discs gradually lose water and become less springy so keeping fit and carrying less excess weight, is another important factor.

Published by barmac5

I am a mum and wife to a lovely caring family. I’ve suffered with chronic back pain for over 30 years and started writing my first blog in 2007 which covered back and chronic pain. Since then I have written many more blogs for myself and customers. I find it takes me away from my pain to another place. I love it so much I think it should be part of a recovery process after illness or surgery. I hope you enjoy reading through my blogs.

18 thoughts on “INTERVERETEBRAL DISCS AND BACK PAIN…”

    1. hi Charly, thanks a load, I did know this was on and will be covering it soon. But thanks for putting the link to the free tickets, much obliged. Take care 🙂

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  10. I definitely agree with Andrea that exercise is the best thing to do but there are some cases where I experience back pains because of sports and this blog is quiet informative for me. Thanks a lot for sharing this post.

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  11. There are only ever 4 steps in removing back pain – first you need to identify the true cause of your back pain. Then you need to balance your muscles and joints. Finally you must improve your healing rate.

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  12. There are only ever 4 steps in removing back pain – first you need to identify the true cause of your back pain. Then you need to balance your muscles and joints. Finally you must improve your healing rate.

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