What are Spinal Discs Made Of?
We all know spinal discs are important- but to understand why, the real question is; what are they made of? Your spinal discs are little cushions that sit between the bones or vertebrae in your spine. Each one of your discs is made up of a tough, fibrous outer layer (annulus fibrosis) and a jelly-like inside layer (the nucleus pulposus). The tough outer layer contains and protects the softer inside layer. These small discs have a big job. They enable your spine to move in all directions.
spinal disc-related nerve dysfunction
Why it Matters
The nucleus pulposus (inner layer of the disc) is mostly made up of water. The high water content helps your discs stay supple and moveable. It acts like a small swivel to allow your body to tilt and rotate. As you get older, your discs tend to lose their high water content and can become degenerative. Degenerative discs don’t move as well, are more prone to cause pain, and even contribute to compression on your spinal nerves.
- Your spinal column has 24 moveable bones with spinal discs between each pair
- Spinal discs are designed to help you move in all directions
- Movement of your spine can help keep your spinal discs healthy
Movement is one of the best ways to support healthy spinal discs. Because spinal discs have a limited blood supply, regular movement helps deliver nutrients while encouraging the removal of waste products that can contribute to discomfort and inflammation. When spinal discs are no longer functioning as they should, they may also contribute to spinal disc-related nerve dysfunction, leading to symptoms that extend beyond the neck or back. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or radiating symptoms, we’re here to help you explore personalized care options and get back to doing what you enjoy.
Types of Spinal Disc Problems
If you’ve had a spinal disc problem, you know how painful it can be. Every movement seems to hurt, and it can feel like you’ll never be back to your old self. But, with the proper care and a little time, you can get your life back. Pain is a signal to “Pay Attention Inside Now.” If you notice neck or back pain, it’s a warning sign from your body. It’s your body’s way of letting you know you’ve pushed past its limits.
Why it Matters
The most common type of spinal disc problem is called a bulge or herniation. A disc bulge or herniation is when your spinal disc’s inner portion is trying to (or has) pushed through the tough outer layer. When the inside pushes or bulges, it can cause pain in two different ways. If the disc bulges far enough to press on a spinal nerve, you may notice pain that travels down your arms or legs. If the inside of your disc pushes through the outer layer, it could also cause severe inflammation resulting in pain.
The most common type of spinal disc problem is called a bulge or herniation. A disc bulge or herniation occurs when the inner portion of the disc begins to push against—or through—the tough outer layer. When this happens, symptoms can develop in different ways. If the disc bulges far enough to place pressure on a spinal nerve, you may notice pain, numbness, or tingling that travels into your arms or legs. Disc injuries can also contribute to common causes of lower back dysfunction, especially when inflammation and reduced spinal mobility begin affecting how your body moves and functions. If the inner portion of the disc breaks through the outer layer, the resulting inflammation may further increase discomfort.
- A herniated disc is when the soft middle of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer
- Age causes the spinal disc to dehydrate, cartilage to stiffen, and can result in disc bulges/herniations
- Exercises that "centralize" your spinal disc may be able to prevent future episodes of sciatica
Spinal disc injuries most commonly occur between 45-65 years of age. If you have spinal pain or pain that travels down your arm or leg, you may be suffering from a disc injury. The good news is that your spine is incredibly resilient. Research has proven that movement-based care, such as spinal adjustments and spinal rehab, is incredibly effective at helping you heal from spinal disc injuries. Our practice focuses on using the latest research-based movement treatments to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.
How to Strengthen Your Spinal Discs
No one wants to deal with back pain. If you’re struggling with pain today or looking to reduce your risk in the future, you may be curious about how you can strengthen your spinal discs. When you think about strengthening your disc, you need to consider how you strengthen your core. Your core is the set of muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your spinal column and help your spinal discs move.
Why it Matters
Your core needs to have a balance of strength and flexibility. Strengthening your core allows your body to have the support it needs to move, bend, and twist without causing injuries. Flexibility is also crucial. Being able to move through your entire range of motion helps your spinal discs stay healthy.
- Core exercises can help your back maintain a balance of strength and flexibility
- Movement of your spine promotes the delivery of nutrients to the spinal discs
- Spinal adjustments can improve your range of motion and decrease pain
Maintaining the proper balance of strength and flexibility can help keep your core and spinal column functioning at their highest level. It’s much easier to keep your spine moving than it is to regain lost mobility. As the saying goes, we don’t get old and stiff—we get stiff and then old. If pain, stiffness, or limited movement are preventing you from staying active, personalized care—including therapies designed to restore spinal mobility and movement—may help support your recovery and long-term spinal health. Our team is here to assess your movement, understand your goals, and create a plan that helps you stay active and doing the things you love.
Keeping Your Spinal Discs Healthy
Proactively doing things today to help your spinal discs stay healthy in the future is a smart idea. Ain’t no one got time for back pain! Every day your spinal disc absorbs stress related to gravity, your posture, and your movement patterns (or lack thereof). Over time this stress can cause your discs to degenerate and become painful. If you want to minimize your chances of back pain in the future, here are a few ways you can keep your discs healthy starting today.
Why it Matters
Movement and exercise are the top ways to keep your spinal discs healthy. Each day try to move your spine through its full range of motion and be cautious about sitting for hours in front of a computer. Using a standing desk can help to engage the small muscles supporting your spine, which is essential for your disc’s health. Another thing to keep in mind is your posture. The combination of inactivity and long periods in an unbalanced posture can wreak havoc on your spinal discs.
- Prolonged sitting significantly reduces the disc height of L4-L5
- Changing positions every 15 minutes helps the discs retain their height
- Use a standing desk and change positions frequently to reduce your risk of low back pain
Keeping your spinal discs healthy is one of the best things you can do to support long-term neck and back health. If you spend long hours at a computer or in other repetitive positions, taking proactive steps to reduce everyday stress on your spine can make a meaningful difference over time. At Sound Corrections Chiropractic, we combine healthy lifestyle strategies with personalized approaches like cervical structural nervous system care to support healthy movement, posture, and overall spinal function. If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to your spinal health, we’d be happy to help you create a plan tailored to your goals.
Common questions
Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, helping absorb shock, support movement, and provide flexibility throughout the spine. Healthy discs allow the spine to move more comfortably while protecting surrounding structures.
Disc changes can occur from a combination of factors, including aging, repetitive movements, poor posture, injuries, and everyday wear over time. Maintaining healthy movement habits and spinal function may help support long-term disc health.
The body’s ability to recover depends on the type and severity of the disc issue. While some disc-related symptoms improve over time, others may require a personalized evaluation to better understand the contributing factors and available care options.
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the issue but may include neck or back discomfort, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates into the arms or legs. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Many people include chiropractic care as part of a proactive approach to supporting spinal movement, posture, and nervous system function. Care is individualized based on each person’s symptoms, health history, and overall wellness goals.
Take a Proactive Approach to Spinal Health
Healthy spinal discs play an important role in how your body moves, feels, and functions every day. Whether you're looking to reduce everyday strain, support long-term spinal health, or better understand recurring back or neck discomfort, taking a proactive approach today can help support your future wellness.
At Sound Corrections Chiropractic, we focus on personalized care that supports healthy movement, nervous system function, and overall spinal wellness.
Ready to take the next step? Get started with care today.
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