The health of our spine is essential to the overall quality of our lives. It is important to keep our spines healthy by getting the proper treatments to address the pain and discomfort we may be experiencing.

The spine is made up of a series of stacked bones called vertebrae that are cushioned between pads of cartilage called discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and are structured in a way similar to a jelly donut. Inside the spinal disc there is a soft, gel-like center called nucleus pulposus, surrounded by the outer layer called the annulus. When a herniated disc occurs, the pressure from the vertebrae surrounding the discs forces the nucleus pulposus through the annulus, putting pressure on the nerves and resulting in pain.