Disc complications are possibly linked to low back pain more than everything else, particularly in middle aged and more mature adults. The vertebral discs act as “shock absorbers” to some degree and aid in both the capability of the spinal vertebra to maintain flexibility and at the same time supplying balance to the vertebral joints.
Discs are built up of two principal components. The annulus is a structure resembling an onion or a tree trunk with many concentric circles beginning from the middle to the outermost margin of the disc. The nucleus pulposis is a “jelly” like structure that forms the heart of the disc and due to its high fluid content really imparts some hydraulic function to the backbone as it simultaneously supports and gives flexibility for the body.
A disc protrusion occurs when the nucleus or “jelly” middle pushes out by means of tears or cracks in the annulus and finally escapes the annulus altogether. Depending on exactly where this happens will determine the type and intensity of resulting condition. If the nucleus pushes out into the canal where the spinal cord lies , it might put pressure on the spinal cord itself and lead to a large array of neurological conditions. If the nucleus pushes out toward the side of the vertebra, it could impinge or put pressure on the spinal nerves at the point they exit the spine occasionally leading to conditions such as a pinched sciatic nerve. These conditions are a bit easier to diagnose because each nerve has specific indicators that help a physician diagnose the cause of pain and weakness.
Disc conditions are typically apparent in middle to more mature individuals due to the long term results of gravity and repeated trauma or micro trauma ( bad posture over years and years for example). The daily effects of poor posture, the compression of gravity, and human nature of overdoing certain physical activities like exercise or work can eventually weaken the outer components of the disc until the center (the nucleus) pushes through and escapes .
Countering the effects of compression (as inversion therapy tables do), utilizing common sense while performing exercises and working, and holding great postural routines should help keep disc wellbeing well into later many years avoiding the painful and debilitating ailment of a disc protrusion .