Spinal disc problems

Approximately 20 percent of the population has back pain. For many decades, doctors believed that most back pain was caused by “slipped” or “torn” discs. We now know this is not true. Disc problems constitute only a small portion of the causes of back pain and rarely require surgery for pain relief.

The primary function of spinal discs is to provide shock absorption to the spine, protecting the spinal cord and ensuring flexibility of the spine. The disc is made up of the annuli fibrosis which is a thick, ligament-like outer ring that allows flexibility while preventing the vertebrae from moving too much and causing injury. Inside the annulus fibrosis is a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposis. It is made up primarily of water and provides more shock absorption than the annulus, and it also acts as a fulcrum to direct the type of movement through which each vertebra travels.

There are three common disc problems. The first is a disc “bulge” which results from slight tears in the outermost fibers of the annulus fibrosis. The second is called a “herniation” and results from a complete or significant tear of the fibers of an annulus-when some of the nucleus leaks through. It is a more significant injury and may even cause nerve or spinal cord compression. The third and most common disc problem is degenerative disc disease (DDD). This occurs when the nucleus loses water and small tears develop in it. The body then forms bone spurs along the edges of the vertebra and the disc space narrows. Recent evidence shows that there is a hereditary link to DDD, not just the wear and tear of aging or trauma and injury.

Most disc problems are successfully treated with conservative interventions. Chiropractic adjustments have been demonstrated to be a safe and effective tool in the management of disc problems, especially when combined with exercise. Getting you back on your feet and moving as quickly as is safely possible is critical. If you stay inactive too long and “baby” your back, in most cases, the long term results will be worse.

For more information, email Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.