Spine Care |Dr Vinay Sarvotham

Spinal disks are rubbery pads between the vertebrae, the specialized bones that
make up the spinal column. Doctors call them intervertebral disks. Each disk is a
flat, circular capsule about an inch in diameter and one-quarter inch thick. They
have a tough, fibrous, outer membrane (the annulus fibrosus), and an elastic core
(the nucleus pulposus).
The disks are firmly embedded between the vertebrae and are held in place by the
ligaments connecting the spinal bones and the surrounding sheaths of muscle.
Types of Spinal Disk Problem
1. Dessicated Disc
The disc loses its fluid content and degenerates down to a rough, worn-down or
worn-out appearance. This occurs as the bones begin to fuse to each other. While
the inter-vertebral disc is a common culprit in spine-related health problems, its
function is widely misunderstood.
The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal bones. The soft
jelly- like center is contained by layers of fibrous tissues. Each disc serves as a
connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs allow
normal turning and bending.
Discs can bulge, herniated (Slipped) or rupture, resulting in other problems.
Diagnostic imaging can reveal degenerative changes to the disc and surrounding
tissues.
2. Prolapsed Disc
A prolapsed disc often causes severe lower back pain. The disc often presses on a
nerve root which can cause pain and other symptoms in a leg. In most cases, the
symptoms ease off gradually over several weeks. It is a piece of disc material
separates away and becomes a fragment or a free-floating piece.

3. Herniated Disk
A herniated disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (disks)
between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack up to make your spine. A
spinal disk is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher
exterior. Herniated disc in the lumbar spine can put pressure on spinal nerve roots,
causing pain in the lower back or legs.
4. Disc Tear
When the outer lining (annulus) of a disc "tears," its center (the nucleus) may
rupture and press a spinal nerve(s) against the bony surface of a vertebra.This
condition is often referred to as a ruptured disc. The most common disc injury is a
small crack or micro tear in the tough (outer fibers of the disc), outer cartilage
material of the disc called annular fibers. This allows the fluid to start leaking out,
and the disc begins to wear thin.
5. Bulging Disc
A bulging disc injury is a common spine injury sustained to your spine's
intervertebral disc. It can occur in your lumbar spine (lower back), thoracic spine
(upper and mid-back) or your cervical spine (neck). A bulging disc can commonly
be referred to as a slipped disc or a protruding disc. However, when the disc bulge
is significant enough for the disc nucleus to the annulus it is known as a herniated
disc.