Your Intervertebral Disc is Like a Water Balloon: Squeeze It, and It Will Bulge
Your Intervertebral Disc is Like a Water Balloon: Squeeze It, and It Will Bulge
Welcome back to the MoveMed blog! Today, we're tackling a common misconception: the so-called "slipped disc." Spoiler alert—discs don’t slip. Instead, they bulge, and understanding this is key to managing and preventing these injuries.
The Myth of the Slipped Disc: What Really Happens
The term “slipped disc” is misleading because discs don’t actually slip out of place. Your intervertebral discs, found between each vertebra, are like little water balloons—filled with a gel-like centre called the nucleus pulposus. When excessive pressure is applied, this gel pushes outward, causing the disc to bulge. Imagine squeezing a water balloon; the water doesn’t escape, but the shape changes under pressure.
Studies show that disc bulges occur primarily due to abnormal or uneven loading across the spine, not because the disc has moved or "slipped" . It’s a mechanical issue, often driven by factors such as poor posture, repetitive strain, and prolonged sitting.
Optimising the Whole Body: The Key to Managing Disc Bulges
When managing a disc bulge, it’s crucial to look beyond just the spine. The body is a connected system, and your entire kinematic chain—from the neck and shoulders down to the pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles—plays a role in how stress is distributed through the discs.
The goal is to achieve optimal movement FOR YOU throughout this entire chain. If your hips are stiff or your shoulders lack mobility, your spine might compensate, increasing stress on your intervertebral discs. Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy has highlighted that improving movement patterns throughout the kinematic chain can significantly reduce the stress placed on lumbar discs .
When all parts of your body work in harmony, there’s a better distribution of forces, reducing the risk of further disc bulging. It’s not just about moving more; it’s about moving right.
Movement Feeds the Disc: Why Blood Flow Matters
Another critical factor in disc health is movement. Unlike muscles, your intervertebral discs don’t have their own blood supply. Instead, they rely on diffusion from adjacent vertebrae to receive essential nutrients and oxygen. This process is driven by movement. When you move, particularly through gentle spinal movements, it encourages fluid exchange, keeping the discs hydrated and healthy.
Recent studies in the Spine journal support the idea that movement promotes better nutrient diffusion, which is vital for disc maintenance and repair . Without regular movement, this nutrient exchange slows down, leading to disc degeneration over time.
Long-Term Strategy: Strengthen New Movement Patterns
Once you’ve identified and improved your movement patterns, it’s time to strengthen them. Strengthening these new movements not only maintains the health of your discs but also prevents future issues by stabilising your spine and reducing abnormal loading.
A study in the European Spine Journal found that patients who engaged in targeted exercise programs to strengthen key movement patterns had significantly lower recurrence rates of disc-related injuries compared to those who did not participate in similar programs . By reinforcing proper movement, you create a more resilient body less prone to injury.
Take Control of Your Disc Health with MoveMed
At MoveMed, we’re all about proactive care. We focus on helping you optimise your body’s movement, encouraging blood flow to nourish your discs, and strengthening your new, improved movement patterns. It’s a holistic approach designed to keep you moving better, feeling stronger, and living pain-free.
Remember, your intervertebral disc is like a water balloon—squeeze it too hard, and it will bulge. But with the right movement and strength, you can keep it healthy for the long run.
Ready to take the next step in your health journey? Book an appointment today and let’s get moving!
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References:
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