What Is The Nucleus Pulposus?

The nucleus pulposus is the gelatinous material that resides in the nucleus of intervertebral discs. The nucleus is contained by the multi-layered annulus fibrosus, which is comprised of collagen fibers that attach to the end plates of adjacent vertebrae. The gel of the nucleus pulposus is also made of collagen, combined with a mucoprotein substance and water.

Disc Degeneration and Injury

Over years of daily wear and tear, the entire intervertebral disc begins to degenerate. The nucleus pulposus loses water content and its collagen levels decrease. In fact, by about the age of 50 or 60, most of the nucleus material has turned into fibrocartilage. The discs become thinner, drier, shorter, and are no longer as able to serve as the flexible protective pads that they once were. Fissures or tears can develop in the annulus fibrosus. Annular tears are more commonly referred to as herniated or ruptured discs.

Displaced Nucleus Pulposus Material

A herniated disc can cause the nucleus pulposus to leak outside of the intervertebral disc and into the spinal canal, where it runs the risk of compressing nearby spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. Depending on which level of the spine is affected, symptoms can include the following:

• Pain that remains localized around the herniated disc
• Pain that travels from the back or neck and through the extremities
• Tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation when the nerve has been compressed long enough to sustain damage
• Numbness when the nerve is so damaged that it can no longer innervate surrounding muscles, which could result in paralysis and atrophy

Treatment of Herniated Discs

At Laser Spine Institute, we specialize in minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures that safely and effectively target herniated disc conditions. By decompressing the nerves without trauma to surrounding connective tissues, we’ve been able to help tens of thousands of people rediscover their lives without back or neck pain. If you’ve tried weeks or months of conservative treatments without finding the pain relief you require, contact Laser Spine Institute. We’d even like to offer you a completely free review of your MRI or CT scan to find out if you could be a candidate for one of our revolutionary procedures.