Your spine’s vertebrae are cushioned by intervertebral discs — each with a tough outer layer and a soft, gel-like center. These discs both connect and separate your vertebrae, acting as shock absorbers to prevent bone-on-bone contact during movement. Without these discs, moving your upper body would be extremely painful, if not impossible.
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If you’ve been told you have a protruding disc, it means the gel inside is bulging unevenly, which can pinch or irritate nearby nerve roots.
A herniated disc occurs when the disc’s material ruptures enough for the gel to push outward, often causing pain, numbness, or nerve irritation — symptoms that can sometimes be quite serious.
The most severe form is a disc extrusion, where the gel extends far outside its normal boundary or even breaks off from the disc. This often leads to intense back pain and reduced range of motion.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a disc injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to the caring team at Pure Health and Vitality. We’re here to support your recovery.
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