Back

Spinal Discs under Pressure

Disc problems continue to plague adults of all ages. Spinal research is being done to try to find out how to keep discs healthy into old age. Testing the load applied to the disc is the focus of this study. Pigs were used since it's difficult to insert sensors into healthy human disc material.

A special needle was put through the outer part of the disc (the annulus) into the center (the nucleus pulposus). Different loads were applied to the disc for 30 seconds. The pressure inside the disc was then measured.

The authors report that pressure inside the disc goes up as the load increases. The disc starts to flatten or collapse during constant loads. The disc is also under more pressure in certain positions. For example, in this study, standing appeared to put more pressure on the disc than sitting.

Studies of this kind can help identify factors that start the process of disc degeneration and herniation. Understanding the effects of different types of load and changes in body position on the disc may help us find ways to prevent disc problems. Rehab programs and advice for workers in the workplace may be redesigned as more information is found.

References: Lars Ekström, BS, et al. In Vivo Porcine Intradiscal Pressure as a Function of External Loading. In Journal of Spinal Disorders. August 2004. Vol. 17. No. 4. Pp. 312-316.

Back