LINKS:
Doug's Current Treatment Diary:
Basic Anatomy of the Lumbar Disc:
Disc Herniation - How it evolves:
Disc Herniation continued: Pain!
RESEARCH:
Disc Herniation & Radiculopathy Facts:
Pathophysiology of Degenerative Disc Disease:
IMAGES:
MRI - Cervical Anatomy & axial post ACDF:
Basis Anatomy of the Disc:
A normal healthy intervertebral disc is composed of two parts. The very center of the disc consists of a 'Jell-O like substance called the Nucleus Pulposus. This nucleus is surrounded by concentric rings or 'Lamellae' , of a cartilage like material (collagen) called the Anulus Fibrosis. This Anulus Fibrosis is now known to be rich in nocioceptors (pain caring nerve fibers), especially the outer 1/3 of the disc. Any tearing or degeneration of the anulus or the disc will 'set-off' the nocioceptors which in turn will result in PAIN in your back and maybe even pain down your leg!!!
This next section entitled "Disc Herniation - How it Evolves" will attempt to illustrate the progression of lumbar disc disease... Namely the progression of a simple grade 1 disc tear, all the way into the a full blown Disc Herniation. I've written this for the layman but have added enough medical terminology and concepts to allow you to speak intelligently about your condition. Get this stuff down and you'll greatly impress your favorite Orthopedist!
Here is a healthy
intervertebral disc. The pink represents the Nucleus Pulposus. The
blue represents the Anulus Fibrosus. Notice the spinal nerves toward the
back of the disc. The spinal nerves are very sensitive and if 'Pinch' or
'Irritated' can produce lower back pain and/or pain, burning, and/or numbness down the
back of the thigh/leg/foot. This Radiation of leg pain is referred to as
Sciatica.