The disc is the shock absorber between the back
bones. It is like a gel filled sac. The covering of the sac has lots of layers
like an onion. When the layers are all torn, the gel can squirt out and cause
inflammation around the nerve roots. This is called a
herniated disc. The resulting scar tissue and swelling can then put pressure on one
of the spinal nerves. Recent research shows that the disc
material actually slows down the function of the nerves. Herniated discs used to
mean instant surgery. However, several research studies
have shown that while surgery may help some people heal quicker, it doesn't help in the
long run any more than just leaving the disc alone.
Over
time, the disc material in most people will be reabsorbed by the body. People
who should still get surgery include those who are having weakness that's getting worse
with time, and patients who have a lot of arthritis in their spine.
