Stages of Disc Degeneration
Between each of our spinal bones is a cushioning layer called the intervertebral disc. The outer ring of the intervertebral disc is called the annulus fibrosus and helps to contain the jelly-like substance in the middle of the disc called the nucleus pulposus. The disc helps to absorb shock and distributes load throughout the spinal column and helps in the movement of the spine. Dr. Chandra Cunningham, a chiropractor with one of the highest rated auto injury medical facilities in the Greater Louisville area, discusses the stages of disc degeneration, a concern affecting many people as they face the impact of growing older.
As you age, the disc also ages. The disc can dry out and crack and becomes thinner, which limits mobility of the spine and the cushioning effect. The disc can also bulge out and herniate, which can cause the body to experience localized pain, radiating pain or even numbness or tingling sensation, radiating down the body or down the extremities.
A disc bulge is when the nucleus pulposus pushes against the annulus fibrosus rings, causing the disc to push out and a bulge forms. Disc protrusion is when the bulge worsens to where the inner annular fibers are torn and no longer intact, but the outer annular fibers still contain the nucleus pulposus material.
Disc extrusion is when the inner and outer annular fibrous rings have been torn and the nucleus pulposus material extrudes and pushes out beyond the fibers into the spinal canal.
Disc sequestration is when the extruded material is pinched off and is free floating in the spinal canal. The extruded material can travel up or down the spinal canal.
The location of the disc bulge and herniation and its severity determines the effect on the person’s body. No symptom may be felt if the bulge is very mild. If this bulge pushes out towards the back (posteriorly), it can narrow the spinal canal and affect the spinal cord and if the bulge occurs more posterior-laterally, it can push against the nerve roots that come off of the spinal cord. Since the nerves travel throughout the body and control the body’s functions, pain, numbness, and tingling sensations can be felt throughout the body and the body’s functions may be compromised.
For example, if the nerves in the lower back are affected, pain or numbness and tingling sensations can be felt radiating down the posterior thigh and lower leg, called sciatica. Since the nerves in the lower back also control the organs in the pelvic area, the person may experience problems with their bowel or bladder control and function.
Seeing a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or your primary care physician, can determine the course of treatment to help with the symptoms. An MRI may be ordered of the spinal region and depending on the findings, a referral to a neuro or orthopedic specialist may be needed.
— This article is written by Chandra Cunningham, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.
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Have you been in a car accident? If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.
Chambers Medical Group has car accident medical clinics in the following locations:
- Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
- Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
- Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
- Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
- Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
- Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
- Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
- Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence
