Discs are oblong-shaped pads found in between the vertebra of the spine.
A disc is made of connective tissues and consists of a core of soft gel and a tough outer covering.
Hence, discs make the back both stable and flexible as they are soft enough to allow the spine to bend and firm enough to keep every vertebrae in place.
The discs also serve as shock absorbers that cushion each vertebrae as you go throughout your activities of the day.
Vertebral discs on both the lower and upper parts of the spine may get injured.
This happens when the outer shell of the disc is penetrated and the gel leaks outside.
Called slipped disc, ruptured or herniated disc, this condition may cause intense low back pain down to the legs if the injured discs are on the lumbar area and back pain radiating to the arms if the affected discs are on the upper back.
There are several causes of disc injury both at home and the workplace.
Key exercises and movements help to stimulate the muscles that provide protection and support for the spine so that they are ready to work when needed.
Whether you are looking to prevent back pain, keep it from coming back or get rid of if because you are currently suffering from it, exercise can help.
With the right exercises, movement becomes your medicine allowing you to get back to an active, pain free life.
You will not change the condition of the disc if you have experienced a rupture or herniation, but you will provide the control and support necessary to ensure it doesn't become a chronic life-long issue.
A disc is made of connective tissues and consists of a core of soft gel and a tough outer covering.
Hence, discs make the back both stable and flexible as they are soft enough to allow the spine to bend and firm enough to keep every vertebrae in place.
The discs also serve as shock absorbers that cushion each vertebrae as you go throughout your activities of the day.
Vertebral discs on both the lower and upper parts of the spine may get injured.
This happens when the outer shell of the disc is penetrated and the gel leaks outside.
Called slipped disc, ruptured or herniated disc, this condition may cause intense low back pain down to the legs if the injured discs are on the lumbar area and back pain radiating to the arms if the affected discs are on the upper back.
There are several causes of disc injury both at home and the workplace.
- Lifting of heavy loads may strain the spine, put pressure on a disc, and rupture it.
- Small repetitive movements like bending, twisting, and stretching may wear out the disc overtime and weakens its resistance against stress.
- Aging causes the outer shell of the disc to degenerate making it more susceptible to trauma.
That is why a person who is 35 years and older is more at risk to having an injured back. - Heredity is also a factor since it was observed that a majority of those whose family members suffered from ruptured disc experienced it too later in their lives.
Key exercises and movements help to stimulate the muscles that provide protection and support for the spine so that they are ready to work when needed.
Whether you are looking to prevent back pain, keep it from coming back or get rid of if because you are currently suffering from it, exercise can help.
With the right exercises, movement becomes your medicine allowing you to get back to an active, pain free life.
You will not change the condition of the disc if you have experienced a rupture or herniation, but you will provide the control and support necessary to ensure it doesn't become a chronic life-long issue.
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