What Are Discs?
Intervertebral discs, fibrocartilaginous structures found between adjacent vertebrae, create a joint and link the vertebral bodies together. These discs collectively contribute to about one-third of the vertebral column’s length, providing a buffer between adjacent vertebrae.
In total, there are 23 intervertebral discs: 6 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar. The discs are approximately 7-10 mm thick and 4 cm in diameter in the lumbar region. The discs are thicker in the front than in the back. The discs consist of an outer fibrous ring called the anulus fibrosus surrounding a gel-like center known as the nucleus pulposus.
These discs enable slight movement of the vertebral column, serve as ligaments to support the vertebrae, and act as shock absorbers for the spine.
Do Spinal Discs “Slip”?
Because of the supportive structures and connective tissues, intervertebral discs do not physically “slip.” Instead, this condition is known as a “herniation,” where the nucleus pulposus material bulges out from the anulus fibrosus, potentially putting pressure on adjacent nerves.
