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Herniated Disc Symptoms and Causes– Condition Information
At our practice in NYC, educating patients about their condition is one of the many things that allows us to create more value for our patients. To properly understand what a herniated disc is, it’s important to learn about the basic anatomy of the spine.
The spine is composed of individual bones called vertebrae that act as a shield for the dense node of nerves that runs through it called the spinal cord. The spinal cord acts as a courier for the brain, taking messages to various parts of the body for all of the functions that make up life, whether they are automated ones like breathing or voluntary ones like motion. All the bones in the spine help support the overall structure of the body. Like many support systems, the spine comes with its own shock absorbers. These are called intervertebral discs and it is the herniation of these structures that causes so much pain to so many.
Intervertebral discs are composed of two main parts, the tough outer wall called the annulus fibrosus and the soft jelly-like insides called the nucleus pulposus. When a herniated disc occurs, it can be the result of trauma, wear and tear, or another factor that has weakened the annulus to the point where it will physically bulge outward and protrude into the spinal canal where the nerves are located. This is where the problem occurs.
Herniated disc material can occasionally protrude enough to compress the nerve bundles that are in the spinal canal, impinging its ability to perform its job and causing irritation, inflammation and other problems like numbness and muscle weakness. In very severe cases, loss of bladder and bowel function can sometimes occur. Our NYC office treats herniated discs without surgery, using clinically proven techniques to ease severe back pain and neck pain.
If you are suffering from herniated disc or another back condition, contact our office in NYC today and schedule an appointment to receive relief from the pain and treatment for the underlying cause of the condition!
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