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Bulging disc
Because discs act as shock absorbers to the vertebrae, they undergo tremendous stress.
Any traumatic pressure, from say a fall, work injury, or pregnancy, can cause a disc to bulge, tearing the connective tissue that holds it in place, causing inflammation and nerve pressure.
Degenerated disc
Disc degeneration is characterized by tears around the outer surface of the disc. It is caused by the drying out of the disc. Age, poor diet, smoking and injury can cause discs to dry, crack and tear, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves.
Herniated disc
When the hard, fibrous material of the disc wall bursts due to weakening of the outer fibers or traumatic pressure, the cushioning gel inside the disc or nucleus pulposus oozes out. When this gel protrudes into a nearby nerve channel, it can cause painful pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
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