weakness of the lower extremity muscles are diagnosed with a herniated disc This is known as disc herniation, or herniated disc. Lumbar disk disease may occur when a disc in the low back area of the spine bulges or herniates from between the bony area of the spine. Regarding the spine, a calcium rich diet is a bone-healthy diet.  |  At birth, approximately 80 percent of the disc is composed of water. Low back pain could be caused by a lack of nutrients supplied to the spinal disc cells, thereby starting the process of disc degeneration, says a study. Read about treatment options, including various types of surgery. Spinal stenosis occurs most often in the lower back and the neck.Some people with spinal stenosis may not have symptoms. The outer portion of the disc has cartilagenous end-plates that firmly attach the disc to the vertebrae above and below. Spinal disc pain is common in people with back troubles, affecting about forty percent of cases. © Stiff Neck Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Distribute compressive loads placed on the spine, providing shock absorption properties, Maintain the distance between the vertebral bodies during movement, Provide flexibility to the spine and prevent excessive movements, Create and maintain the lordotic (backward C-shaped) curve of the lumbar spine. See All About Spinal Disc Problems Spinal Cord and Cauda Equina of the Lumbar Spine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448072/, Sciatic Nerve Muscle Innervation and Function, Lower Back Pain Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Sciatica Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief. As we get older the spinal discs gradually become damaged and this can cause problems such as back pain. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. version.2020.07.019-2020.07.003. Risk factors for developing disc changes include … Types of spinal disc problems One of the most common disc problems is a ruptured disc (also known as prolapsed, slipped or herniated disc). Spinal discs are also called intervertebral discs. Dehydration will make it harder and difficult to regain normal shape and function. By middle age, the disks are tough and quite u… © Consider this documented research report about nutrition and the disc and how nutrition can affect degeneration and actually maintain spine health and mobility: The nutrition of the disc is important as poor blood flow and nutrients to the spinal disc is a cause of disc … The disk is sometimes described as a shock absorber for the spine, which makes it sound more flexible or pliable than it really is. 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. All rights reserved. Watch Now. Unfortunately, high-quality back rehab programs involving a team of specialists can be expensive—and health insurance may not fully cover it. Symptoms can worsen over time.Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis. The information is produced and reviewed by over 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing trusted, uniquely informative information for people with painful health conditions. Veritas Health, LLC, First off, you need to give your body the specific nutrients it needs in … 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. Spine Health Welcome to a place where you can meet people talking about spine health and related conditions, such as back pain, brachial plexus, disc degeneration, scoliosis, spondylolysis, stenosis, spondylopathy and more. If your herniated disk is in your lower back, you'll typically feel the most intense pain in your buttocks, thigh and calf. The bony portion of the endplate is attached to the vertebral body and helps resist compressive loads on the spine. Excessive forces and high-pressure postures, such as prolonged standing and sitting, can inhibit disc nutrition.1, While the lumbar discs provide significant flexibility and protective functions, they are also highly susceptible to injury. A herniated disc pushes into the spinal canal. version.2020.07.019-2020.07.003, Sciatic Nerve Muscle Innervation and Function, Lower Back Pain Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment, Sciatica Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief. Leg Pain and Numbness: What Might These Symptoms Mean? If the body is dehydrated, the discs will also be dehydrated. A true herniated disk won't ever be … The intervertebral disk is a little cushion that sits between the pairs of vertebrae. This is called a herniated disc. If you suffer from bulging, degenerative or herniated discs, and have been told you have to undergo spinal surgery or just live with the pain, The Disc Institute is here to help. Stiff Neck Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.  |  Summary Intervertebral discs are spongy cushions located between the vertebrae (bones) of the spine. All rights reserved. Vitamin A helps promote proper cartilage cell development by promoting the development of mature chondrocytes, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. While the overall composition of the lumbar discs is similar to other discs in the spine, there are a few differences. And all the while, you're trying to navigate health insurance, work and family life, and everyday stressors in addition to your back pain. What's a Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerve, Bulging Disc...? The lumbar intervertebral discs have the following distinguishing features2: The discs are secured in place by the anterior (front) and posterior (back) longitudinal ligaments.1. “Spinal health is directly and intensely related to nutritional status,” explains Amir Vokshoor, MD, the director of spine at St. John’s Health Center in California. 60015. prime This type of arthritis typically starts off making your low back and hips stiff … Disc protrusions (often called ‘herniated’, ‘bulging’ or ‘prolapsed’ discs) are often found in people without back pain. Lumbar disc herniation occurs when a disc in your lumbar spine (lower back) bulges out. While the disks do separate the vertebrae and keep them from rubbing together, they are far from spring-like. Sometimes a twisting injury damages the disc and starts a cascade of events that leads to degeneration. Learn how the lumbar spinal discs function and how lower back conditions can cause back pain and/or radiating pain. The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by small, spongy discs. The prospects for surgery improve if the pain can be traced to a specific spinal disc. Most herniated disks occur in your lower back (lumbar spine), although they can also occur in your neck (cervical spine). 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. This keeps the vertebrae separated and acts as a shock absorber. The annular fibers hydraulically seal the gelatinous nucleus and evenly distribute pressure and force imposed on the structure. Lumbar disk disease causes lower back pain and leg pain and weakness that is made worse by movement and activity. This is when the inner, gel-like material bulges out of a disc. It may cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Leg Pain and Numbness: What Might These Symptoms Mean? 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