aboutDiscs
Vertebral discs are structures that link one spinal bone (vertebrae) to another.
They are very strong and both help to cushion mechanical impact and restrain excessive spinal movement.
Like any tissue in the body, if the mechanical strain is excessive or prolonged, they can fail.
A protrusion / herniation of a disc and/or degenerative changes are common, but rarely require surgery.
aboutDiscS
Discs are made from strong connective fibres and have a thick jelly like centre, called the nucleus pulpus.
When placed under pressure the pulpus is squashed, and consequently pushes out against the connective fibre wall.
With continued loading and factors of ageing the fibres can weaken and either stretch or tear. Consequently when the pulpus is squashed it will always move towards the area of least resistance; the damaged part of the disc wall.
As the pressure continues more stretching and tearing can result and the outer disc wall herniates.
A disc herniation, protrusion or bulge is basically the same. If however the disc protrudes into the spinal canal where the nerves are, there is a chance of causing mechanical compression on nerve fibres.
In rare cases the compression on a nerve stops it from working and the person develops muscle weakness. In the majority of cases the nerve compression causes irritation and a resultant pain experience, but the nerve still functions.
Compliance to good patterns of movement and posture is essential to reduce the mechanical strain and allow the tissues to heal.