![]() ![]() This stimulates the growth of bone spurs (extra bone) that may restrict the joints’ range of motion, may cause stiffness and pain, and may compress the nerve roots and spinal cord. Bones and cartilage: As cartilage at the joints wears down, the vertebrae or the bony processes at the back of the vertebral arch may rub against one another. ![]() They may also slightly collapse and dry out, a condition called degenerative disc disease. This condition is called a herniated disc. They lose some of their ability to cushion the joints, and their fibrous outer portions may crack, allowing some of the jelly-like core to protrude. Discs: Intervertebral discs usually change with age.The outermost layer of the meninges is a tough tissue layer known as the dura mater.ĭegenerative spinal changes can affect almost every structure of the spine. Membranes called the meninges act somewhat like the casing on a sausage, wrapping up the spinal cord, the nerve roots, and the CSF inside the spinal canal. The spinal cord and nerve roots are suspended in a liquid called the cerebrospinal fluid. These are the nerves that leave the spine, exiting the spinal canal through foramina (small openings) to branch out to the body. The spinal canal also houses the beginning of the spinal nerve roots. Inside the well-protected spinal canal is the spinal cord, the delicate bundle of nerves and other tissue that connects brain and body. Stacked on top of one another in the spinal column, these rings align to form a long, well-protected channel known as the spinal canal. Together, the vertebral body, the pedicles, and the vertebral arch form a ring of bone around a hollow center. The vertebral arch is connected to the vertebral body by two small columns of bone called the pedicles. Projecting from the back of the vertebral arch are segments of bones, called processes, that articulate with each other and provide attachment points for muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The other segment is an arch-shaped section of bone called the vertebral arch. It provides strength and stability to the spine. One, the vertebral body, is a solid, cylindrical segment, shaped something like a marshmallow. Each vertebra (the singular of vertebrae) is composed of two sections. In the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, all vertebrae are essentially similar. Each disc is composed of a jelly-like core surrounded by a fibrous outer ring. The intervertebral discs act as cushions and shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Sturdy intervertebral discs connect the vertebrae. Finally, the sacral spine is located below the small of the back, between the hips. (The vertebrae of the thoracic spine articulate with, or form joints with, the ribs.) Below the thoracic spine is the lumbar spine, in the lower back. The next section, located in the upper and mid-back, is called the thoracic spine. The topmost section of the vertebral column, the section in the neck, is called the cervical spine. Together, this stack forms the vertebral column. The spine is composed of many vertebrae, or individual bones of the spine, stacked one on top of another. To understand degenerative spine conditions, it helps to understand a little about basic spinal anatomy. The changes are not due to trauma, infection, or some other cause. Degenerative means that the cause of these changes is age-related wear and tear. The Spine Hospital at the Neurological Institute of New York is recognized around the world as a leader in the treatment of degenerative spine conditions.ĭegenerative spine conditions all involve a loss of normal structure and function in the spine. This page provides an overview of spinal anatomy, a quick glossary, a description of symptoms that prompt evaluation by a neurosurgeon, and an explanation of common tests and treatments for degenerative spine conditions. ![]()
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