In between almost all of the spinal bones there exist spinal discs. Each disc is a specialised type of joint that facilitates spinal movement and adds to spinal strength. Only between the top two spinal bones and the top spinal bone and the skull is a space where discs are not found. Each disc is made up of a harder focal force loading inner part and an annular facilitate movement outer part.
Movement is key to disc health, as it is movement that enables the disc to get food in and waste out. The generalised motions of contemporary living probably only allow the disc to get 30% of its imbibing capability. Each disc drinks in its nutrients as spinal movement facilitates the motion of fluids inside the vertebrae. When spinal motion is reduced then so too is the nutrient intake by the disc. Spinal motion is not dependent upon external movement of the body. However, a variety of movement is one’s best ally in a lifetime relationship with their spine.
When a disc gets injured, it can lead to a disc bulge where the bulge changes the movement of the vertebrae causing a stubbing effect into the spinal joints, over time building up to an inflammatory and painful event. Each injury the body endures results in some part for a varied amount of time resulting in a loss of function. Thus, why Lee recommends the three-day rule.
If a bulge is worsened, then a disc can rupture causing facet syndrome compensatory sacroilliac syndrome and chemical insult to the inside of the spine. Muscular compensation looks to protect and hold the area. However only after 3 days are the muscles then acting in an automatic new normal state. This new normal can be how the spinal motion is impaired for years, without treatment. A lateral disc rupture is not as bad as a medial disc rupture, which is harder to heal.
Worse than having a disc injury is having multiple disc injuries, referred to as disc disease, which can result in multiple levels of the spine being affected and a combination of lateral and medial disc ruptures and bulges coexisting. Significantly altering mechanics. When a bodily injury leads to reduced function then the body is working around the compromised area. Unfortunately, one needs to load the injured tissues, albeit the right amount, to facilitate healing. A rare consequence of having disc disease is a condition called cauda equina syndrome, which can be a medical emergency.
A Healthy Disc in Relation to Spinal Bones
