Oct 24, 2023 · A spinal disk has a soft, jellylike center called a nucleus. The nucleus is encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior, known as the annulus. A herniated disk occurs when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus.

Oct 24, 2023 · Plain X-rays don't detect herniated disks, but they can rule out other causes of back pain. X-rays can show an infection, a tumor, spinal alignment issues or a broken bone. CT scan.

Jan 26, 2023 · Degenerative disk disease is a common cause of back pain. Our spinal disks wear out with age and use. About 20% of all U.S. adults have some amount of degeneration by age 65.

Mar 12, 2024 · Dr. Lu's team is studying how large molecules band together to help bones and connective tissue, such as spinal disks, regenerate. Their preclinical research is probing whether mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in a biotherapeutic hydrogel could deliver healing messages to torn or ruptured spinal disks.

Jun 27, 2024 · The most common cause of spinal stenosis is wear-and-tear damage in the spine related to arthritis. People who have serious spinal stenosis may need surgery. Surgery can create more space inside the spine. This can ease the symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Mar 12, 2024 · Disks act as cushions between the bones that form the spine. These bones are called vertebrae. Disks have an outer layer of tough cartilage that surrounds softer cartilage in the center. It may help to think of disks as miniature jelly doughnuts, exactly the right size to fit between your vertebrae.

Jun 19, 2024 · Back surgery relieves this leg pain better than it does back pain. Many people who have back surgery continue to have back pain. It can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of back pain, even if imaging tests show disk problems or bone spurs.

Sep 19, 2024 · Depending on the cause of your DDD and compression of L4-L5 disc, disc replacement may be okay but if you have instability in your spine, the fusion would help to limit the movement which could cause issues with a disc replacement (may slip/move again requiring another surgery).

Apr 16, 2024 · A discogram might help your healthcare professional determine if a specific disk in your spine is causing your back pain. Spinal disks are spongelike cushions between the bones of the spine, called vertebrae.

I went in on 08/22/24 for an MRI of the cervical & lumbar spine and the results say: "Mild spinal canal stenosis with VENTRAL CORD FLATTENING" ( what does that mean !!? ) from my C5 to T1 vertebrae, the brachial plexus.