1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Intervertebral Disc
• »
• Intervertebral Disc
• »
• Nucleus Pulposus

Nucleus Pulposus

An intervertebral disc contains two parts: the nucleus pulposus, the gel-like interior portion of the disc; and the annulus fibrosus, the protective outer layer. While the annulus fibrosus is composed of strong collagen fibers that make it extremely durable, the nucleus pulposus is constructed of loose fibers that allow it to move within the disc. Serving as a cushion, the nucleus absorbs shock from surrounding vertebrae, enabling the spine to smoothly flex and extend.

As we age, years of wear and tear can take their toll on the spine, creating problems for intervertebral discs. The nucleus pulposus, over time, loses hydration, and thus becomes less flexible. Furthermore, discs can begin to flatten out as a result of degenerative disc disease. This condition can leave a vertebra vulnerable to friction from its neighboring vertebrae, and can eventually lead to the formation of bone spurs.

Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are overgrowths that form around the edge of a vertebra, inhibiting movement. These invading bone fragments also can rub against nerve roots or the spinal cord, and can cause symptoms including pain, numbness, weakness, and burning sensations in the back, neck, and extremities.

Intervertebral discs are prone to additional problems, such as herniation and bulging of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. As with degenerative disc disease, these conditions can occur as a natural part of the aging process; however, they can also be the result of an injury or trauma to the spine.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

A bulging disc occurs when a portion of the nucleus pulposus protrudes outward, but has not broken free from the annulus fibrosis. A herniated disc, on the other hand, happens when a disc tears or ruptures and expels nucleus pulposus material outward into the spinal column. Both conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of degenerative disc disease, and symptoms range from mild to debilitating pain, depending on the amount of disc material placing pressure on nerve tissue.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition affecting the nucleus pulposus in one or more of your discs, the good news is that there are a number of treatment options available to you. Most of the time, symptoms can be alleviated with a few weeks or months of conservative therapy, such as bed rest, exercise, and over-the-counter medication. For those who experience chronic pain even after conservative treatment, a minimally invasive, endoscopic procedure from Laser Spine Institute (LSI) may be the next option. To hear more about our revolutionary outpatient procedures, contact LSI today. We can review your CT scan or MRI, absolutely free.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.