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Intervertebral Disc

Intervertebral discs give the spinal column its unique flexing ability. These discs are made up of a spongy fibrocartilaginous material that acts like a cushion or a shock absorber between each of the vertebrae, or bones, that make up the spinal column. These discs also prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other and causing damage to the spinal column.

Intervertebral discs consist of the annulus fibrosus, or outer layer, and the nucleus pulposus, or inner layer. The outer layer is a tough "skin" that contains and protects the inner layer, which is a gel-like substance consisting of collagen (an insoluble fibrous protein), heavy glycoproteins known as proteoglycans, and water.

As each vertebra moves up and down and back and forth, it presses on the intervertebral disc, which changes shape accordingly. This ability to accommodate movement while still providing cushion between bones provides appropriate shock absorption levels for any movement, including standing, sitting, swinging a golf club, swimming, or walking, and other basic movements.

However, when an intervertebral disc is damaged or worn down, the inner layer can leak out or dry up. With less cushioning in the disc, vertebrae get closer and closer together and cannot tilt as far in any direction without rubbing against one another. This friction can cause bone spurs, or osteophytes, to develop.

As bone spurs (or osteophytes) grow and protrude into the spinal canal, they can start to impinge on nerve roots in the canal. These nerve roots, found throughout the spinal column, send signals of movement and sensation from the brain to peripheral nerves that extend into other parts of the body. So, when nerve roots are pressured or squeezed by osteophytes, bone spur symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, and other bodily discomfort can occur.

If you suspect that you have developed bone spurs as a result of a damaged intervertebral disc – such as a bulging disc or herniated disc, you should see your physician for a diagnosis. Your doctor may initially recommend a course of conservative bone spurs treatment, such as reduced activity, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications. But, if these treatments fail and your pain continues, traditional back surgery, if recommended by your doctor, is not your only option. At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), we regularly help people get relief from the pain of bone spurs with our minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic procedures, so contact us today for a free review of your CT scan or MRI.

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