Disc Anatomy

In order to understand disc diseases, you must first understand what a disc is and how it functions in the body.  Discs are located between all of the vertebrae, or bones, of the spine from the base of your skull to the sacrum, or bottom of your low back.  The disc functions as a cushion between the bones to absorb the shock and stress associated with everyday movements and activities.

Disc Conditions

Intervertebral discs are comprised of two main parts, the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus.  The annulus fibrosus is  the tough, outer-most part of the disc that is composed of criss-crossed fibrous tissue links that form rings that contain the gel-like inner portion of the disc, which is called the nucleus pulposus.  As we perform different activities the pressure inside the disc increases and places pressures on the outer fibers.  Over time, these increased pressures can weaken the structure of the discs leading to disc injury or disease.


Some of the MOST COMMON disc conditions are:

• Cervical Radiculopathy
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Facet Syndrome
• Herniated Discs/Slipped Disc
• Lumbar Radiculopathy
• Spinal Stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Sciatica (Leg Pain)
• Bulging Discs (Disc Bulge)