Home
Welcome Page
Disc Blog
My Story
My Book
YOUR STORIES Disc Q and A
Q and A Archive
Interactive Forum
DISC INFO Disc Disease
Disc Anatomy
HERNIATIONS Herniated Disc
Cervical Discs
Thoracic Discs
Lumbar Discs
Disc Facts
Disc Pain Causes
Disc Symptoms
Disc Diagnosis
Disc Pain
Disc Injury
TREATMENTS Disc Treatments
Disc Exercises
Disc Doctors
Disc Products
Disc Surgery
Decompression
MIND & BODY Psychosomatic
Knowledge
Disc Relief
Disc Advice
RESOURCES Contact Me
Site Search
Site Map
About H-D-P.ORG
Links
Facebook

[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

back pain

Spinal Disc

A spinal disc is also normally known as an intervertebral disc. The human spine is made up of 24 individual bones called vertebrae and 2 additional grouped sections of bone called the sacrum and the coccyx. In between each vertebra exists a soft cushiony structure called a disc, which helps facilitate movement in the spine.

Spinal Disc

Spinal Disc Purpose

Intervertebral discs create small amounts of movement from one vertebral level to the next. This allows each vertebra to move its position in regards to the vertebral bones above and below it. When movement is distributed across the entire spine, discs allow a great range of motion, while still maintaining the protective and supportive functions of the vertebral bones.

Discs also help to absorb shock placed on the physical body in two ways. First, the soft nature of the discs help to maintain the natural “S” shaped curve of the spine. This shape prevents vertical loading, which occurs in patients with a straightened spine. Spinal curves distribute weight more effectively and help lessen force placed on the body. Discs also act as shock absorbers between individual vertebral bones, providing soft cushions between the hard surfaces of the spine.

Aging Spine Discs

As discs age, it is normal for them to experience degenerative changes. Typically, this means that discs will dry out and shrink, causing a permanent loss of height, diameter and circumference. Although this process might cause some problems in a small percentage of patients, it is typically completely asymptomatic in the vast majority. Patients should learn that their disc changes are completely normal, instead of being frightened by such nonsensical terminologies like Degenerative Disc Disease. 99% of diagnosed cases of DDD consist of completely normal spinal changes and should not be confused with a disease process at all…

Spinal Disc Advice

Learning overcomes ignorance and fear. If you are a patient with a diagnosed disc pain condition, it is up to you to learn the facts about which conditions are truly a health risk and which are merely an expected part of life. Remember that degenerative changes occur in most adults by the age of 30 and often far earlier. You do not have to be old to have significant age and activity related alteration of the spinal structures. These changes will also be accelerated by genetic patterns and lifestyle factors. Do not fear these changes… Only fear the care providers who try to make you think that they are unusual and a real cause for alarm.
Spinal Disc to Herniated Disc Home
7/8/08 Revised 12/9/09

footer for spinal disc page