Intervertebral discs are known as the structures in between the vertebral bodies that act as shock absorbers. Each of these is made of a soft gelatine-like inner core and a tough outer ring that bears protective properties. Sometimes the internal tissue might seep out of the ring, which is called herniation. There are different reasons for this medical condition.
In the unique human anatomy, the lumbar spine (lower back) and the cervical spine (neck) are responsible for most the mobility in terms of bending and extension, while the thoracic spine and the sacral spine are relatively immobile. Hence the first two are under intense mechanical stress and have the highest risk of injury and degeneration.
As human beings, we are involved in all sorts of daily activities, sports, and work, which can make us more vulnerable to falls and accidents. As you can imagine, one thing leads to another. A simple back injury might put enough pressure on a disc to cause herniation. This usually manifests itself as pain, ranging from mild to severe. Since everybody has a different threshold, some people might experience no discomfort, while others will be unable to perform simple tasks. Now, when a slipped disc compresses the spinal canal or the adjacent spinal nerves, an individual might also feel numbness in their limbs and back.
Older people are more likely to develop the condition. As age advances, the discs start to lose some of the water content that protects them. This increases the chances of a disc slipping out of alignment. This is more commonly found in men than it is in women.
