Rupturing a Disc in the Spine
An intervertebral disc can be ruptured or protrude from the spinal column because of trauma. Learn about the effects of a ruptured disc.
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Transcript: Rupturing a Disc in the Spine
What Do Intervertebral Discs Do?
The backbone, or spinal column, consists of a series of bones called vertebrae, that connect the skull to the pelvis. The vertebrae are separated and cushioned by discs, which are filled with a jelly-like substance that acts as a shock absorber between each vertebrae.How the Spinal Cord Works?
Nestled inside a channel running from the brain to the base of the spine is the spinal cord. From the spinal cord, nerves branch out to the arms, legs and other parts of the body. It is through the spinal cord and connecting nerves that the brain sends signals to the body allowing movement and all body functions.Rupturing a Disc
Trauma or injury to the back can cause the cushioning discs to rupture or to protrude (herniate) from the spinal column; the disc then presses on the branching nerves.Effects and Treatment of a Ruptured Disc
Pressure on a nerve can be painful, and because these nerves travel to other parts of the body, pain, tingling or numbness can be felt in other parts of the body. Treatment of a ruptured disc depends on the severity of the injury.Copyrighted animations provided by Blausen Medical.