Anatomy on the subject of herniated discs
Before the herniated disc is discussed, the term disc should first be sufficiently clarified. Only when the tasks and characteristics of the intervertebral discs have been clarified can the extent of the herniated disc and its therapeutic measures be understood. Position – Where are “intervertebral discs” located?
Between two vertebral bodies of the spine there is a cartilaginous connection called intervertebral disc. Since it lies between two vertebral bodies, it is often referred to as an intervertebral disc. Vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs are firmly fused together.
Properties of an intervertebral disc
An intervertebral disc consists of the so-called annulus fibrosus, the connective tissue, cartilaginous outer ring and the nucleus pulposus, the inner gelatinous core. In total, humans have 23 intervertebral discs, so that they represent approximately 1⁄4 of the total length of the spinal column. The mobility of the spinal column: 2 vertebral bodies and the nucleus pulposus are shown, on which the vertebral bodies can move freely against each other like on an elastic ball.
The nucleus pulposus described above, the gelatinous core of the intervertebral disc, is under pressure. The consistency of this nucleus always depends on the water balance of the intervertebral disc. The rule of thumb is: the more water it absorbs similarly to a sponge, the plumper, more elastic and firmer it is.
The “full-suction process” should be clearly shown opposite. The existence of the water balance and its decrease can be illustrated in the context of the aging process of a person: In the course of life, the water content of the intervertebral disc is automatically reduced. This becomes visible to the outside world, for example, in the course of the aging process during which a person becomes smaller.
In addition, you can see on yourself every day that the same person is about 1 to 3 cm (approx. 1%) taller in the morning than in the evening, which is related to the fact that the intervertebral discs have been able to recover and reabsorb water by the nightly relief. Symbolically, one can imagine a wrung out sponge which is placed in water and sucks itself full to the best of its ability.
Just like a sponge, the intervertebral disc gains height as a result. However, an intervertebral disc needs not only water, but also so-called vital substances. Since intervertebral discs do not feed on blood supply, these vital substances can only be absorbed if they are available and have been expelled beforehand by various human movements (bending backwards, circling the hips, walking, jogging, bending over).
The following guiding principle applies: The more versatile a person’s movements are, the more intensively the supply of vital substances and water to this highly sensitive cartilage tissue works. Load The intervertebral discs are what make the spine mobile. Without them, the spine would be stiff, comparable, for example, with a broomstick.
The intervertebral discs thus enable the elasticity and flexibility of the vertebral segments. A shift of weight to the front, back or side causes a shift of the core in the corresponding direction. This shifting of the core causes the cartilaginous ring, the so-called cartilaginous fibrous disc, to be compressed on one side and to varying degrees depending on the movement, so that the load that an intervertebral disc must withstand can vary considerably.
The diagram below is intended to show the different loads that weigh on the intervertebral discs during everyday movements. It is noticeable that the pressure on the intervertebral disc is lowest when lying down (supine position). Wrong postures or wrong movements (middle right, bottom) increase the load on the intervertebral disc.
If cartilage wear is already present, a herniated disc can occur during such movements. Cartilage wear, in turn, is greatly promoted by advanced age and/or water loss. – Vertebral body
- Protrusion (bulging of the intervertebral disc)
- Spinal cord
- Slipped disc
