An intervertebral disk acts as shock absorber between each of the vertebrae in the spinal column by keeping the vertebrae separated when there is impact from activity. They also serve to protect the nerves that run down the middle of the spine and intervertebral disks.

Between each vertebral body is a cushion called an intervertebral disc. Each disc absorbs the stress and shock the body incurs during movement and prevents the vertebrae from grinding against one another.

In between each vertebra is a cartilage disc. These discs are designed to help the spine absorb shock and mitigate some of the pounding that it takes from external pressures on a regular basis. These cartilage discs are absolutely necessary for normal human locomotion and functioning of the spine as we know it.

These cartilage discs provide cushioning for the spine’s vertebrae. This greatly reduces the stress of impacts and ensures that the individual vertebrae do not rub against each other during bodily movements.

Disks show signs of wear and tear with age. Over time, disks dehydrate and their cartilage stiffens. Only the outer layer of tough cartilage is involved. A herniated disk, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the softer inner cartilage to protrude out of the disk.

A slipped disc (also called a prolapsed or herniated disc) can cause: lower back pain. numbness or tingling in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet. neck pain.

Can slipped disc be cured? Yes, slipped disc can be cured. It cannot be entirely prevented but one can reduce the risk by being physically active, performing back strengthening exercises and yoga.

Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.

Typically, pain originating in your spine will look a little different than pain from a muscle. You may have a more burning or electric type pain, or your pain may be constant. With spinal-issue pain, you may also have pain that “shoots” down your leg or into your glutes.

Symptoms of disc problems

1. back pain.
2. increased back pain when repetitively bending or with prolonged sitting.
3. increased back pain with coughing, sneezing, laughing or straining.
4. pain, numbness or pins-and-needles radiating into an arm or leg if a disc has caused irritation of a nearby nerve.

One of the most common causes of lower back and neck pain, degenerative disc disease is a result of changes or a breakdown of your spinal discs. As you age, tiny cracks can evolve or fluid can be lost, resulting in disc degeneration over time.

Imbibition is a process of water being drawn into tissue as pressure is decreased. This is why when you lay down or sleep at night, the discs will rehydrate. What’s even better is this process of imbibition can be increased even further and have more lasting results when ELDOA exercises are performed.

Eventually, it can lead to pain and swelling and even a bulging disc or herniated disc. Drinking water to adequately replenish the discs with the amount water needed to work properly can reduce the likelihood of developing back pain.

Spinal Rehydration For regular exertion and most healthy bodies, the discs rehydrate during the night with the water you’ve consumed. This process is called intradiscal fluid exchange because it replaces the old fluids with new hydration.

In this way, natural spinal disc regeneration has become not only possible, but feasible, a likely way to make use of the body’s own natural processes and defenses. Here’s how it works: Stem cells are the body’s original construction blocks, capable of building different kinds of tissues from a single cell.

Care and Feeding of the Intervertebral Disc

1. Improving your posture which may include exercising and changing positions frequently while at work.
2. Using good body mechanics when lifting heavy objects.
3. Sleeping on a firm, supportive mattress.
4. Quitting smoking (or don’t start).
5. Maintaining a healthy weight.

Degenerative disc disease isn’t actually a disease, but rather a condition in which a damaged disc causes pain. This pain can range from nagging to disabling. The condition can be caused by the drying out of the disc over time, daily activities, sports and injuries.

Degenerative disc disease Sleeping on the stomach is typically preferred, as this position can relieve pressure on the disc space. People with degenerative disc disease may feel most comfortable using a relatively firm mattress while placing a flat pillow under the stomach and hips.

Here are eight foods that will help keep your spine strong and healthy.

• Plant-Based Proteins. The proteins you get from certain plants are great for your spine health.
• Vegetables.
• Salmon.
• Dairy Products.
• Herbs and Spices.
• 6. Fruits.
• Avocados.

Degenerative disc disease can certainly be exacerbated by sitting. People with this condition often find that sitting for long periods can cause them a lot of pain, so they tend to favor standing.

Correcting posture and using low back support. Sitting upright in an ergonomic chair that provides low back support for the natural curve in the lumbar region can prevent irritating discs. Hanging a small mirror near their desk can allow patients to check posture and remind them to straighten up.

Applying ice or a cold pack to a painful area of the spine can relieve pain by reducing inflammation, which can be helpful following exercise or activity. Heat therapy.