What Is the Annulus Fibrosis?
The annulus fibrosis is the outer protective covering of the soft nucleus pulposus at the center of the spinal disc. This covering is composed of mainly ligament fiber rings that are tough. It connects the spinal vertebrae above and below each disc and prevents the nucleus pulposus from leaking out over the disc. This leakage is often called disc herniation, an injury which can often cause chronic pain. Nucleus pulposus is a gel-like fluid found in the center of the spinal discs. The fluid acts as a lubricant and cushion for the vertebrae of the spine. Collagen, water and keratin make up the nucleus pulposus, allowing a person’s spine to absorb daily shocks from walking, jumping and more without pain. This shock absorption begins to deteriorate over time, sometimes resulting in chronic back pain. A herniated disc occurs when this fluid bulges against, or even leaks out through, the annulus fibrosis and moves the vertebrae out of alignment, causing pressure on the surrounding vertebrae
