Discs

Question 1

What are discs?

Answer 1

Fluid/gel like center in nucleus discs
- provides space between vertebrae and allow for more movement

Question 2

What is the nucleus pulposus?

Answer 2

• Loose collagen fibers suspended in a mucoprotein gel
• Absorb impact, distribute pressure and separate the two vertebrae
• Proteins contained withing, if released act as an irritant to nearby nerves
  -fluid decreases with age
• imbibe with small movements
• no direct blood flow to the discs

Question 3

What is the annulus fibrosus?

Answer 3

• Tought and resisilant
• connective tissue rings (looks like tree ring)
• slightly different fiber orientation that makes them strong
• attach to the vertebra above and below
• form fibrocartilaginous joint
• acts as a ligament
  -the whole ring is continuous
• sit in between vertebrae body

Question 4

What do the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus (discs) do together?

Answer 4

• absorb impact/pressure and create space between vertebra to allow for range of motion
• compressed elastic material in nucleus allows compression in all directions along with torsion (twisting)
• can become less resilient with age, inquiry or improper use, resulting in weakened annulus fibrosus
• primarily avascular, only periphery receives blood supply - instead receives nutrition through movement (imbibe)
  -Example: gravity overtime helps fluid moves through disc and when you offload (sleep) and decrease in pressure it draws more fluid into discs. They get larger and why you might feel taller in the morning
• usually no nerve supply
• expand with fluid at night
• simply movements are important for fluidity of the discs

Question 5

What postures put progressively more pressure on the discs?

Answer 5

Supine, standing, standing twist or fold, seated twist or fold.