What are Spinal Discs Made of?

Keyword(s): spinal discs

Meta description: We’ve all heard of spinal discs... but what are they made of?Bottom Line:

We all know spinal discs are important -- but to understand why, the real question is... what are theymade of?

Simply put, your spinal discs are the little cushions that sit between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine.

Each disc is made up of a tough, fibrous outer layer (annulus fibrosis) and a jelly-like inner layer (nucleuspulposus). The tough outer layer contains and protects the softer inside layer.

These small discs have a big job.
They enable your spine to move in all directions.

Why it Matters:

Your spinal column has 24 moveable bones with spinal discs between each pair. Each disc acts like asmall swivel to allow your body to tilt and rotate.

A disc’s inner layer is mostly made up of water, and that high water content helps keep it supple andmoveable. However, as you get older, your discs tend to lose their high water content, which can lead todegeneration.

Degenerative discs don't move as well, are more prone to cause pain, and even contribute to thecompression of your spinal nerves.

Next Steps:

Movement is one of the best ways to keep your spinal discs healthy.

Since the spinal discs don't have a particularly good blood supply, movement is how they bring innutrients. Those nutrients help the discs stay healthy and push out waste that can contribute to pain andinflammation.

If your neck or back hurts, let us know! We'll help get your spinals discs moving and working togetherbetter so you get your life back from pain!

Science Source(s):

Intervertebral Disc: Anatomy-Physiology – Pathophysiology -Treatment. Pain Practice. 2000.

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