A Healthy Spinal Disc

by Denise Müller, Grad. Sports Scientist

  Each spinal disc is a flexible fibrocartilage connection between individual vertebrae. It consists of an outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) and a gelatinous centre (nucleus pulposus). This gelatinous centre has a high water content and acts as a shock absorber. The outer, very strong fibrous ring stabilises the gelatinous centre, and ensures that its swelling pressure remains constant. Spinal discs are not connected to any blood vessels, which means that they are supplied via diffusion only. A healthy spinal disc is therefore maintained only by the regular change of compression and release of pressure. When the body is in a relaxed position with low pressure on the spinal discs, an intake of fluid occurs and with it an intake of nutrients. When the body is in a stressful posture with a lot of pressure on the spinal discs, liquid and metabolites are pushed out of the disks. Balanced and back-friendly movement and strain on the spine are therefore essential for healthy spinal discs.