1-

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

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• The Spine
• »
• The Spine
• »
• Cartilage

Cartilage

Cartilage is connective tissue located between bones. It provides a cushion in joints and gives structure to many parts of the body, including the ears and nose. It also forms intervertebral discs, the “shock absorbers” between the vertebrae that help give the spine cushioning and flexibility.

Cartilage cells are called chondrocytes. These cells produce the collagen that gives the cartilage structure, along with water and a glycoprotein called proteoglycan. There are three types of cartilage, distinguishable by the amount of collagen and other proteins located within the cartilage cells:

• Hyaline – Occurs in thin, glass-like layers at the end of bones and facilitates smooth movement at the joints
• Elastic – Firm, yellow fibers that help the ears, larynx, and epiglottis maintain their shape
• Fibrocartilage – Located in the outer wall (annulus fibrosus) of intervertebral discs and the knee’s meniscus

Cartilage within the intervertebral discs is subject to several conditions that can cause the discs to break down, which may eventually lead to nerve compression in the spinal column. When this happens, symptoms such as acute or chronic back or neck pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness can occur within the shoulders, arms, hands, and lower extremities. Spinal conditions that could be associated with cartilage in the spine include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Herniated disc
• Bulging disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Foraminal stenosis

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

Symptoms associated with damaged or degenerating spinal and intervertebral cartilage generally can be managed through conservative treatment that includes physical therapy, exercise, therapeutic massage, or pain medications. Occasionally, chronic back or neck pain persists even after weeks or months of conservative treatment, and a doctor might suggest surgery to repair or remove cartilage and bone tissue in the spine.

Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offers an alternative to traditional open back surgery. The award-winning surgeons at LSI perform minimally invasive, outpatient procedures that use gentle, endoscopic techniques to remove bits of cartilage and bone that are pressing upon spinal nerves, thereby helping patients rediscover a life without pain. Contact LSI to learn more and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

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