More on Discs

Cartilage disks are located between the vertebrae, and serve to cushion the spinal column from shock. Each disk features an inner, pulpy center, called the nucleus pulposus, and a fibrous outer ring, called the annulus fibrosus, which is visible in a lateral view of the spine. These intervertebral disks are easily torn or dislocated when the vertebra column is subjected to inordinate stresses, such as those encountered in lifting a heavy load improperly, or twisting the back sharply, as occurs in many sporting injuries. Such a "slipped" disk is only one of many causes of back pain. Others include arthritis, spinal meningitis, and inflammation of a tendon or muscle. Such back problems can cause extreme pain, which may be increased by changes in the weather or poor diet, making lifting, walking, and sitting an excruciating ordeal. Since so many muscles place stress on the spine when they operate, simple activities such as going to the bathroom, coughing, laughing, and even breathing may be intolerable with such a condition. A great number of these ailments can be alleviated utilizing Chiropractic alignments which often can restore proper function back to the disc structures.