The vertebral disc in the spine is an interesting and unique structure. The discs throughout the spine have three primary functions:
- They act as a shock absorbers in the spine, positioned between each bony vertebra.
- They act as tough ligaments that hold the vertebrae of the spine together.
- They are cartilaginous joints that allow for slight mobility in the spine.
There are a total of 23 vertebral discs in the spinal column. Specific problems with any of these discs may prompt unique symptoms, including pain that originates in the disc itself and/or pain that is related to the disc pressing on a nearby nerve.
See All About Spinal Disc Problems
Spinal Disc Anatomy
The anatomy of a normal spinal disc includes the tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and the gelatinous inner layer called the nucleus pulposus. If tears occur in the annulus fibrosus, the nucleus pulposus may leak out.
Discs are actually composed of two parts: a tough outer portion and a soft inner core, and the configuration has been likened to that of a jelly doughnut.
- Annulus Fibrosus. The outer portion of the disc (annulus fibrosus) is the tough circular exterior composed of concentric sheets of collagen fibers (lamellae) that surround the inner core.
- Nucleus Pulposus. The inner core (nucleus pulposus) contains a loose network of fibers suspended in a mucoprotein gel.
The annular fibers hydraulically seal the gelatinous nucleus and evenly distribute pressure and force imposed on the structure.
The outer portion and inner core of the spinal disc fit together like two concentric cylinders. The outer portion of the disc has cartilagenous end-plates that firmly attach the disc to the vertebrae above and below.
At birth, approximately 80 percent of the disc is composed of water. In order for the disc to function properly, it must be well hydrated. The nucleus pulposus is the major carrier of the body's axial load and relies on its water-based contents to maintain strength and pliability.
Disc Degeneration
Over time, spinal discs dehydrate and become stiffer, causing the disc to be less able to adjust to compression. While this is a natural aging process, as the disc degenerates in some individuals, it can become painful.
See What Is Degenerative Disc Disease?
The most likely reason for this is that the degeneration can produce micromotion instability and the inflammatory proteins (the soft inner core of the disc) probably leak out of the disc space and inflame the various nerve and nerve fibers in and around the disc. Sometimes a twisting injury damages the disc and starts a cascade of events that leads to degeneration.
The spinal disc itself has no blood supply. Without a blood supply the disc does not have a way to repair itself, and pain created by the damaged disc can last for years.
