Intervertebral disc

Intervertebral discs are the rubbery pads that fill the space between the bones of the spine, known as vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers for the spine, making the spine more flexible than it would be without the discs. The discs separate the vertebrae and keep them from rubbing together and causing damage to the bones but unfortunately, the discs themselves can suffer injury and cause a multitude of problem and significant pain. When a there is an injury or a large amount of stress is put on the spine, the inner material of the intervertebral discs may swell, pushing through its tough outer membrane. This can cause the entire disc to become distorted or bulge in spots. Sometimes, all or part of the inside material of the disc may protrude through the outer casing at a weak spot and put pressure on surrounding nerves. If further activity or injury causes the membrane to rupture or tear, the disc material may protrude (herniate) further resulting in…

for Intervertebral Disc Disease. This disease causes cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column to rupture into the spinal cord and presses on nerves. This produces soreness, nerve damage, and even paralysis. Because of the pressure, IVDD induces premature aging resulting in a lower quality of life. There are many symptoms that can be overlooked but the outcome can lead to serious conditions. The less serious symptoms of intervertebral disc disease include pain and weakness to…

review, since it is a degenerative disc disease and these degenerative changes will ultimately affect both the dynamic and Static dimensions of the spinal canal, and its regional biomechanics. These are the important factors in the development and progression of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. (Figure 1.) The upper cervical spine, comprising the occiput, atlas and axis, has its anatomical and biomechanical features which distinct from the remainder of the cervical spine. As a result,…

the buttock, into the back of the thigh and all the way down the leg to the foot); neurological conditions; a frozen shoulder; asthma; high blood pressure; organ function; plantar fasciitis; tennis elbow; hip/knee strains; rotator cuff impingement syndrome (aka rotator cuff tendinitis); temporomandibular joint disorder/dysfunction (TMJ/TMD); and other injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. What Causes Vertebral Subluxation? A variety of…

fall, or are suffering from Cardiac Arrest, first responders need to be there for the citizens they serve. If a first responder is injured and cannot do their job properly, then they are putting the safety of the citizens at risk. The job of a first responder is to be there for the citizens, which is why workplace safety is always important to keep in mind. In the Fire and Emergency Services occupations, there are three common injuries; Sprains and strains, Smoke inhalation and broken bones. Of…

Case Study 1 Figure two shows a thoracic vertebrae with a normal intervertebral disc and a herniated one. The normal one has the normal components of an intervertebral disc: the annulus fibrosus surrounding the nucleus pulposus and the spinal nerves safely exiting through the neural foramina. In the herniated disc it looks like the annulus fibrosus has been ruptured in its weak spot and the nucleus pulposus has escaped and compressed a spinal nerve. Several types of tissues were involved in…

With aging, the discs and their protective elasticity degrade. Disc desiccation makes them thinner and weaker and they can no longer perform their full functions. Osteoarthritis develops with accompanying stiffness and pain in the lower back.Degeneration of the discs is normal. It may, however, cause serious disability when the steady progress degenerative disc disorder results in the distortion of disc shape. Deformed discs may impinge upon the spinal cord or its nerve roots, leading to varying…

Hi Patry, Thank you for sharing your notion about “recurrent acute episodes of low back pain”. According to Shinichi et al. (2016), ninety percent of adults will have an episode of low back pain (LBP) in their lifetime, moreover about 24-87% will experience the recurrence of the LBP a year following the acute bout. Petersen and Lystad (2016) presented a case report about a 48-year-old male police officer, complaining of acute LBP of two weeks duration. Two months later after the first episode…

In this case, the claimant was 10 months status post left L4-5 laminectomy and discectomy on 11/14/2016. He reported persistent aching and shooting pain to his lower back radiating to his left lower extremities. He also had ongoing left leg pain with weakness and numbness. Despite previous surgery, the claimant continued to be symptomatic with low back pain. Considering this, an MRI of the lumbar spine is medically necessary and appropriate to further evaluate the claimant's condition. A visit…

Sitting at a desk or performing repetitive tasks for 40 or more hours a week is common in most workplaces. Compared to standing, “sitting decreases lumbar lordosis, and increases low back muscle activity, disc pressure, and pressure on ischium.” (p1) These musculoskeletal changes are all associated with occupational low back pain. It was reported that at some point in their life about 80 percent of adults experienced low back pain.2 Low back pain is the most common job-related disability and is…