Artificial Disc - Anatomy of Human Spine - Role of Intervertebral Discs
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In order to understand the importance of Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery - An Alternative to Lumbar Fusion, one must know the anatomy of human spine and importance and role of intervertebral discs because these two things are most important if you are having degenerative disc disease of the spine and would like to select a procedure or select a treatment or get a second opinion before undergoing lumbar spine fusion for health of your spine. So here is a simple and brief guide through which you can learn and understand what your spine consists of and what is it’s role in your body. Read on..
Anatomy of human spine: The spine is a column or supporting pillar of human skeleton, which consists of discs and bones. Vertebrae or blocks of bone provide anterior support and structure to this supporting pillar. In the posterior level, the 2 facet joints, one on each side of the spine, provide movement and stability of this mobile segment.
Role of intervertebral discs:
Intervertebral discs are situated between bones and act as a buffer, cushion, or shock absorber between the vertebrae. The spinal discs also make a contribution to the movement and flexibility of the human spine. The spinal discs are made up of 2 parts:
- First one is the inner portion of the disc, which is known as nucleus pulposus, which is a viscous or gelatin-like material.
- The second one is the outer portion of the disc, which is much more stronger than first one known as annulus fibrosus. The annulus fibrosus supports and surrounds the inner gel-like portion of the disc. The annulus fibrosus, outer ring of collagen, is also in contact with pain receptors known as nociceptors and nerve fibers, which stem from the anterior column of the human spine.
The human spine is primarily composed of proteins and water. Due to aging of the human body, the water content starts to decrease gradually, which causes the disc to become flat and cause some fissures or tears via the fibrous ring. These diseased discs are frequently called as degenerative discs and sometimes can convert into painful conditions.
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Degenerative disc disease at a glance
In patients having degenerative discs, the inner portion of the disc, which is known as nucleus pulposus may bulge out and put pressure onto the fibrous ring (outer portion of the disc). This degenerative bulging process of the inner portions stimulates the pain receptors, which causes pain of the spine. Tears, fissures, and cracks developed within the outer portion (annulus fibrosus) can also cause severe pain.
Pain caused by intervertebral discs is frequently called as discogenic back pain or in simple words low back pain. Now due to the disadvantages of lumbar fusion mentioned in my previous article, Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery - An Alternative to Lumbar Fusion, orthopaedic surgeons are considering placement of artificial discs or artificial disc replacement surgery as an alternative to lumbar fusion to provide relief from constant severe back pain and discomfort.
Spine pain help - Helpful Internet Articles on Health and Fitness for Back Pain
- Health Insurance - It Is A Necessity
Why do you need health insurance? Here is just one reason and trust me I can tell you that I have been in so much pain that the only thing that would cure my pain was Health Insurance. Have you ever had such bad back pain that you were unable to get out of bed? - 13 hours ago
- The Best Treatment for Back Pain Caused By Traffic Accidents
Drivers or passengers may only feel stiff and shocked after a traffic accident and appear to be uninjured. However, it is not uncommon for traffic accident injuries to be unfelt for weeks or months to come. When people begin to sense their pain, it usually starts in their back or neck and is accompanied by tension and headache. The symptoms can worsen over time and eventually prevent him or her from performing normally. Many people suffer these types of pain without even realizing that it has resulted from a seemingly small traffic accident. These people go on without proper diagnostics and resort to using painkillers to lessen their pain. If have recently been into an accident, you could do well to visit a doctor who specialize in soft tissue and structural damage as such with traffic accident injuries. - 36 hours ago
- What You Need To Know About Pain In Lower Right Back
A number of scientific studies revolving around the pain in lower right back, revealed that the pain was basically a combination of a sacro iliac joint that tightens. It may also be caused when some spinal joints tighten as well as when the pelvis is out of balance since, this will trigger certain points in the quadratus lumborum. For more details read more. - 36 hours ago
- Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Risks of Spinal Surgery
ALIF is often performed to treat pain from degenerative discs. Learn the risks of this surgical procedure as well as alternative treatments. - 3 days ago
- Why You Have Back Pain and What You Can Do About It: The Dangers of Sitting
Repetitive sitting damages your back more than physically demanding tasks, and places your body at a greater risk for low back pain. Learn an easy tactic on how you can prevent back pain by combating the negative effects of excessive sitting. - 3 days ago
- Three Easy, Unknown, Ways to Stop Your Back Pain
There are three ways you are likely hurting your back everyday. Learn what they are, and the techniques to stop it. - 3 days ago
- Good Posture Can Prevent Bad Back Pain
Contrary to popular belief, sitting or standing upright with your shoulders and head thrown back and your spine kept straight with your legs locked is not good posture. In fact, holding this position regularly is as harmful as slouching. Instead, a proper posture will maintain the natural curves of the spine. - 4 days ago
- Symptoms of Sciatica Nerve
The most common symptom of sciatica is radiating pain that may begin from the lower back and go all the way down to the heel area. Radiating pain means the entire nervous pathway will be affected. It would feel as if pain was emanating from one point and traveling down the leg. Many of us have experienced this type of pain, but it may have been short-lived because pressure on the sciatic nerve was only temporary (which would also make the symptoms short-lived). For long-term sciatica sufferers, the compression or irritation of the nerve is not relieved and therefore, the different manifestations/symptoms of the condition continue through the months. - 4 days ago
Very good information sonni2006. I think more people than we realize suffer from back pain problems, and it's good to get background information as such - helping us to make informed decisions on how to deal with it.
Yes making an informed decision and getting a second opinion is really necessary before selecting a treatment or selecting a procedure or surgery of this magnitude. Best of luck IslandVoice for your and your husband's planning to treat degenerative disc disease of the spine with lumbar fusion or artificial disc replacement surgery, though for the time being you can purchase a lumbar support for your husband if he is having problems with day to day activities.
Also thank you so much Veronica Allen for understanding the need of background info in these types of conditions. Thanks for your comment too.
Merry Christmas and good luck for the New Year 2010. Also best of luck for your health.
IslandVoice Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
This is a timely hub on back pain which happens to bother my husband. I will be forwarding this to him, so we can both understand better what's happening, and then decide what to do. Thank you.