What are Spinal Discs Made of?

Author: Dr Balraj Ougra | Chiropractor

Bottom Line: 

We all know spinal discs are important -- but to understand why, the real question is… what are they made of? Simply put, your spinal discs are the little cushions that sit between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine.

Each disc is made up of a tough, fibrous outer layer (annulus fibrosis) and a jelly-like inner layer (nucleus pulposus). The tough outer layer contains and protects the softer inside layer. These small discs have a big job. They enable your spine to move in all directions.

Why it Matters:

Your spinal column has 24 moveable bones with spinal discs between each pair. Each disc acts like a small swivel to allow your body to tilt and rotate.

A disc’s inner layer is mostly made up of water, and that high water content helps keep it supple and moveable. However, as you get older, your discs tend to lose their high water content, which can lead to degeneration.

Degenerative discs don't move as well, are more prone to cause pain, and even contribute to the compression of your spinal nerves.

Next Steps:

Movement is one of the best ways to keep your spinal discs healthy.

Since the spinal discs don't have a particularly good blood supply, movement is how they bring in nutrients. Those nutrients help the discs stay healthy and push out waste that can contribute to pain and inflammation.

If your neck or back hurts, let us know! We'll help get your spinals discs moving and working together better so you get your life back from pain!

Science Source(s):

Intervertebral Disc: Anatomy-Physiology – Pathophysiology -Treatment. Pain Practice. 2000.

How Heavy is that Backpack?

How Heavy is that Backpack?

Author: Dr Balraj Ougra

Bottom Line:

Even though an iPad can store an entire library worth of books, most kids still trudge to and from school each day carrying an oversized and overweight backpack filled with heavy textbooks. While it may not seem like a big deal, recent studies have shown that carrying the weight of a typical backpack is one of the top reasons for kids to have back pain.

Why it Matters:

A vast majority of kids wear backpacks every day that weigh 6-7kg or more. That’s a heavy backpack! Over time, the stress of the load can result in back pain, a rounding of the shoulders and postural changes. The spinal compression caused by heavy backpacks often has kids leaning forward to compensate, which begins a vicious cycle of postural issues, compensation and pain.

·       Up to 30% of kids may suffer from back pain due to carrying a heavy backpack.

·       Limiting the total weight of the backpack to less than 10% of your child’s body weight is recommended.

·       Instruct your child to wear their backpack with both shoulder straps fit snugly, so the backpack isn’t carried below the waistline.

Next Steps:

 Kids typically choose their backpack based on what makes them look cool. We recommend taking a second look and making sure the straps are wide and padded, the size is appropriate (and not too big) and that it has compartments to help distribute the load. If your child has pain, numbness, or tingling, give us a call. We would be happy to help get them back on track!

Science Source:

Backpack weight and back pain reduction: effect of an intervention in adolescents. Paediatric Research 2018