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Intervertebral DiscsAnatomy of Intervertebral Discs
* Neuroforamen The anatomy of a disc changes throughout its lifecycle, mostly due to completely normal spinal degenerative processes. Discs are composed of collagen and proteoglycans along with a high percentage of water, which is stored in the soft center of the structure. This pliable moisture rich core is called the nucleus pulposus. The nucleus is surrounded by a multi-layered woven outer wall called the annulus fibrosus. This tough outer wall protects the nucleus and provides structure and stability for the soft disc core. Spinal Discs and AgingDegeneration is the term used to describe the aging processes which affect spinal discs. These processes are completely normal, expected and universal, although the exact extent of disc degeneration is a highly individual criterion. As we age, spinal discs dry out, losing their ability to retain moisture. This makes them shrink in size and mass, creating what the medical community has termed Degenerative Disc Disease. This process is NOT a disease at all and rarely causes any problems for affected patients. However, the condition has been vilified in the back pain industry and often acts as a scapegoat condition to take the blame for otherwise idiopathic symptoms.Facts about Intervertebral Discs*Most people experience significant degeneration in their lumbar and cervical spinal discs by the age of 30. Some individuals might demonstrate these changes much earlier.* The first discs to wear at typically the L4/L5 and especially the L5/S1 lumbar discs. * Discs can herniate or
rupture
spontaneously due to
injury
or slowly due to degeneration. * Herniated discs due to degeneration are typically not symptomatic and might not even be discovered for many years. Please take the time to share your own disc pain story on our HERNIATED DISC FORUM Please subscribe to our FREE E-Zine, The Herniated Disc Newsletter. 6/10/08 Revised 12/9/08
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