Introduction
The intervertebral disc is the cartilage pad that sits between the vertebrae, the bones of the spine.
Description
The normal disc is made of two parts:
- the 80% water-filled, jelly-like nucleus pulposus and
- the rubberband-like, sensitive outer fibers (anular fibers) called the anulus fibrosus.
These two parts work together like "shock absorbers" for the spine by holding the vertebrae apart. They also ensure space between the facet joints so they don't irritate each other under normal motions. The disc is the most pain sensitive structure in the spine.
Normal Cervical Spine Description
The normal disc may degenerate or herniate. The herniated discs are given all sorts of names - slipped disc, protruded disc, extruded disc, bulging disc - but they essentially come down to two types:
- contained discs - Those discs that the center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) stays within the outer anular fibers, usually causing neck pain and if the contained disc presses on a spinal nerve, may cause arm pain.
- non-contained discs - Those discs that the center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) escapes through the outer anular fibers, usually resulting in arm pain.
Cox Technic Flexion-Distraction and Decompression performed at Apple Country Chiropractic may well resolve the pain from either. Contact us today to help you.
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
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Dr. James M. Cox I."