by Dr. John Roberts V, MD
13. May 2011 06:05
Nestled between our vertebrae is the unsung hero of the vertebrate spine: the disc. Much is known about the disc but there is little discussion about it. It is primarily a cartilaginous structure with a soft, pulpy center that is surrounded by bands of tissue that become progressively stiffer as you near the outer rim. It is a very effective shock absorber and actually resembles a run-flat tire with its stiff outer fibers. The disc quietly goes about its business as it allows us to bend routinely up to 200,000 times per year. It protects the spine from shock as we take up to 2 million steps in a normal year. Imagine what we put it through as a marathon runner or as a football player? What is even more remarkable is that the disc has a tenuous blood supply at best. In fact, it has the metabolic activity of a snail. Consequently, the disc we have through life is pretty much the same disc you were born with. This is an impressive feat when you consider what we put our discs through. But there are a few simple words of advice to actually help preserve our discs: stop smoking because the combined carbon-monoxide and nicotine strangle the discs tenuous blood supply, lose those extra holiday pounds for the obvious added stress they cause, avoid awkward or excessively heavy lifting and use mechanical aids where possible, always use the best ergonomics when possible. More to follow on the ergonomic recommendations…
Copyright © 2004-2012 YourCity.MD LLC All Rights Reserved. The information on this Website is provided as a courtesy of YourCity.MD. This Website is designed as a resource portal for informational purposes only and does not contain any warranties. Reliance on any information found on or through this Website or links found on this Website is entirely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or your local Emergency number immediately. YourCity.MD and its affiliates are not responsible for the content found on any links contained herein and do not necessarily agree with any of their opinions.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: YourCity.MD websites and this city website in particular may include or provide paid or other type web links to you that include facts, views, opinions and recommendations of individuals, organizations or companies. You understand and accept that YourCity.MD and this city in particular, and its affiliates, do not warranty or guarantee the accuracy of any such information in any form. You understand and accept that YourCity.MD and this city in particular neither provides health or medical advice, nor advocates or recommends the purchase of any product, service, health provider listed, linked to or advertised on YourCity.MD and this city site in particular.
LIMITS OF LIABILITY: You understand and accept that YourCity.MD and this city site in particular, Inc. and its affiliates shall not be liable to you or any associated party for damages or injury caused in whole or in part by negligence in producing and publishing this site or any information contained in this site or linked by or to this site.
Subscribe