The End of Back Pain by Patrick Roth M.D

Author:Patrick Roth, M.D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins

Oh, My Aching Disc!

The disc is the largest avascular structure in the body (avascular meaning lacking blood vessels). It undoubtedly developed through evolution as a shock absorber for the spine. Without the disc being present between vertebral bodies, each step that you take would trigger a pain impulse to the brain from the impact of your feet with the ground. Interestingly, the shape of the spine itself also acts as a shock absorber. Rather than being straight, the spine has several curves that allow it to act as a Pogo stick: The spine’s inherent “spring” prevents the impact of walking or running from generating a brain-directed impulse.

In general, herniated discs are found in younger patients. When we’re born, the gel at the center of our discs is 70 to 80 percent water. As we age, we lose some of this water in a process called desiccation. It’s while the discs are in their most water-filled state that we’re most vulnerable to herniation. The discs themselves create height or distance between the vertebral bodies. This height creates tension in the ligaments that hold the vertebrae together. During the day, our discs lose water content and height. As we lose disc height, our spine can actually loosen up due to this loss of tension. This is why you should measure your height first thing in the morning. We all shrink throughout the day!

From the picture, you can see why sitting is painful for the patient with a herniated disc.

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