What is disc tear, disc bulge, disc degeneration, and disc herniation?
The human spine is made up of 33 bones, called vertebra. These vertebrae are connected by spinal discs, facet joints, and ligaments. Spine problems cause pain, including but not limited to neck and back pain. Spinal discs connect vertebrae together. A spinal disc is made up of a spongy, jelly-like nucleus and twenty layers of fibrotic tissue (annulus) that surround the nucleus. Healthy spinal disc nuclei are rich in water, functioning as shock absorbers. A spinal disc degenerates through wear and tear. First, the jelly nucleus loses water and becomes dry, taking away its shock absorbing function. Then physical loads can make the annular tissue bulge out (disc bulging). As the tissue overstretches, it tears or cracks. These tears allow the jelly nucleus to leak out from its normal position (disc herniation). Clinically, disc herniation patients feel lower back pain and leg pain, which worsens with sitting but may improve with standing.
