The spinal column consists of disks that both divide and join it, and make up the main support and force that controls the spinal column, as well as bones and muscles. Thus a herniated disk will affect many aspects of daily life.  

Composition and Dangers

These disks are made up of water and fat and have tissues that connect them to the adjoining ones. They do not contain blood vessels and nerves unlike other components of the skeletal structure.

Water lost due to gravitational forces, seemingly as simple as sitting down, during the day is also restored duly, but occurs at a slow pace. Water and fat content in the disk is generally balanced, but if not so, herniated disks may occur, and a person may display signs of height reduction. The composition of these elements is generally very thick, but with ageing thinning occurs. This thinning of fat and water may cause osteoarthritis and herniated disks and much lower back pain.

The exteriors of disks are protected by “Annulus Fibrosis”. In some cases abnormal thickening, occurs in the confecting tissues, which causes scars in them.  This scarring is followed progressively by injury, infection, and finally restricted intake of oxygen.  Surgery may be indicated thereafter.

The inner parts of the disk are protected by “Nucleus Pulposis”. This is a pulp that is in the hub of the disk, making it soft and smooth.

At times the disks may be dehydrated and pressured or deformed. At such times its protection of the spinal structure is often limited.  Despite having strength and the flexibility needed to handle much pressure, the interruption of these attributes may result in herniated disks, slips and other issues.

Medical terminology defines slipped or herniated disk as HNP - Herniated Nucleus Pulposa. As seen above, the skeletal disks are damaged such that the nucleus pulposa is interrupted. Medically, herniated disks may L4 and L5, which is Lumbrosacral and C 5-7, which is Cervical. L4 is the numerical identification of a ruptured the disk in a sole area of the spinal column.

Causes of Herniated Disks

• Accidents
• Trauma
• Lifting of heavy objects
• Strain of the back and neck
• Degeneration
• Congenital deformities
• Weak ligaments

It is disk degeneration that leads to herniated disks that is explained hereto.

Symptoms and Effects of Herniated Disks

• Lumbrosacral symptoms, usually acute lower back pain, radiating to the buttocks and into the leg. Feelings of weakness, numbness, or tingling that stretches to the leg and foot. Ambulation accompanied by pain.

• In cases with cervical disk problems, stiffness around the neck. Additionally feelings of weakness, numbness, and tingling around the hands. Neck pain extended to the arms and the hands will cause upper body weakness. Commonly the triceps and biceps atrophy and the lumbar muscle is affected enough to create in straightening the back.

• A slipped or herniated disk causes the annulus fibrosis to push it into the hollows in the spinal column and damaging the nerves it contains disrupting signals to other parts of the body, including the brain.

For more information about cures for back pain, sciatica and other related conditions, read about Miracle Back Pain and Sciatica Cure or visit our Back Pain Page.

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