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What is a Herniated Disc?
* Prolapsed Disc What is a Herniated Disc? / AnatomySpinal discs are the shock absorbers of the human spine. Together, they make up approximately one quarter of the spine’s total length. Discs allow the great range of motion and flexibility that we enjoy during our lifetimes. An intervertebral disc is composed of 2 sections. The tough outer wall is called the annulus fibrosus and is made up of woven layers of specialized cells. The softer inner core of the disc is called the nucleus pulposus and is responsible for providing flexibility and mass for the disc structure. A disc herniation occurs when the outer wall of the disc is compromised and the inner nucleus bulges outwards, creating a defect in the disc structure.What is a Herniated Disc? / VariationsHerniated disc is a term which describes a variety of possible occurrences inside the disc structure. Most often, the nucleus pushes against one specific area of the outer disc wall, causing it to puff outwards slightly. This is usually called a bulging disc. The integrity of the annulus fibrosus remains intact, but the shape of the disc becomes slightly asymmetrical due to the bulge. A true herniation is when a considerable portion of the nucleus pulposus pushes into a pocket created in the outer disc wall. This creates a far more noticeable defect in the disc and a greater degree of asymmetry. Sometimes, the outer disc wall actually breaks open, spilling the jelly like contents of the nucleus into the body cavity. This is called a ruptured disc.The name “herniated disc” can be used to describe all of these conditions, as can other common terminologies such as slipped disc and prolapsed disc. What is a Herniated Disc? / ConclusionDisc herniation is a term which merely describes a physical bulge. It does not describe a condition which is inherently painful or problematic in any way. Spinal discs endure universal and completely expected degenerative changes as part of their aging process. The overwhelming majority of patients experience these mild to moderate changes in the lumbar and cervical spinal regions by the age of 30. Many experience these changes by the age of 20. I already had moderate degenerative changes in my lumbar spine by the age of 16…Herniated discs can cause spinal problems and pain. However, most disc conditions are completely benign and might go completely unnoticed simply because they do not create any significant symptoms. Even painful disc conditions will typically resolve on their own and usually do not require any specialized herniated disc treatment. To summarize this article, herniated discs are basically a normal part of the lives of some lumbar and cervical spinal discs. Discs will inevitably dry out, lose height and bulge as they age. The condition does not mean that the spine will suffer any ill effects, nor does it mean that the patient will suffer any lasting pain. 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. 6/14/08 Revised 1/3/09
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