A herniated disc occurs when the outer wall (annulus fibrosus) of an intervertebral disc develops a tear that allows the inner disc fluid (nucleus pulposus) to leak, or extrude, into the spinal canal. This tear can develop suddenly, as the result of a traumatic injury, or it can occur gradually, due to prolonged stress on the spine caused by factors such as obesity, poor posture, overexertion, or age. The most common element of a herniated disc development is the aging process itself, which takes its toll on all of the elements of the spinal anatomy. And because the spinal column is made up of an intricate network of bones, discs, ligaments, muscles, and joints that work in unison, damage to or a weakening of any of these parts will have an effect on the entire spine.

The Effects of Degeneration on the Spine

Just like the rest of the body, the spine changes in a variety of ways as we get older. The intervertebral discs themselves become weaker, which may lead to a herniated disc, but the general weakening of other elements can also force the intervertebral discs to support more weight and undergo an unusually large amount of stress, which can also lead to the development of a herniated disc.

The aging process causes the spine to degenerate in the following ways:

– Intervertebral discs – The intervertebral discs mainly consist of water, cartilage, and collagen fibers. As we age, the water in discs dehydrates and the collagen breaks down as well, which renders discs less elastic and less able to support all of the spine’s various movements.

– Vertebrae – The density of the bones that make up the spinal column can decrease with age due to the gradual loss of calcium and other minerals. If the vertebrae become weak and are unable to support the weight of the spine, added pressure falls on the intervertebral discs, possibly increasing the risk of a herniated disc.

– Facet joints – These are the hinge-like joints found on either side of each vertebra that allow the vertebrae to articulate. Facet joints are covered with cartilage to facilitate movement without friction, though over time this cartilage wears away and joint instability is often the result.

– Ligaments – Ligaments tend to ossify over time, which means they thicken due to calcium deposits. This renders them less elastic and less able to aid in the spine’s many movements, which may force more pressure onto the intervertebral discs.

Diagnosing a Herniated Disc Caused by Degeneration

If you’re experiencing back or neck pain and think you may be suffering from a herniated disc, make an appointment to see your primary care physician. If you’re over the age of 40, there is certainly a chance that you may have a degenerative spine condition like a herniated disc. However, it is best not to jump to that conclusion. Many patients who think they have a herniated disc find that they’re actually experiencing discomfort due to a sprained ligament or a strained muscle, either of which will likely heal over a period of several days or weeks with the proper treatments. In the event that your doctor does diagnose you with a herniated disc due to degeneration, he or she will likely prescribe a regimen of conservative, non-surgical treatment such as pain medication, hot/cold compresses, physical therapy, behavior modification, and epidural steroid injections.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated disc