Disc Degeneration - Relieve Back Pressure
The disc acts to distribute loads mainly from vertical and sheer forces, much the same way an air mattress would distribute your load if you laid on it. What happens if the air mattress deflates? Ouch, you eventually hit the ground below. The intervertabral disc is not made out of air, but it is made of material that can, in a matter of speaking, dry-out, crack, and deflate.
When a disc degenerates, its ability to resist loads and pressure is greatly compromised. The surrounding ligaments usually become loose and ineffective as the disc becomes flatter. This situation creates pain. The more levels involved, the more pain you have, particularly with certain activities that increase the disc pressure.
The following table summarizes the disc pressures for different positions and activities.
| Pressure (mPa) | |
| Lying on Back | 0.10 (least) |
| Lying on Stomach | 0.11 |
| Laughing | 0.15 |
| Sneezing | 0.38 |
| Sitting | 0.46 |
| Standing | 0.50 |
| Walking | 0.53 |
| Sitting with max. bending | 0.83 |
| Standing up from chair | 1.10 |
| Holding 10lbs. close to body | 1.10 |
| Holding 10lbs. with outstretched arm | 1.80 |
| Lifting 10lbs. with round back | 2.30 |
In my experience, if you can control your average daily pressure, you can control your pain.
Additionally this process of degeneration can be related to aging, genetics or general health. Obviously, you can not stop the influences of aging or genetics; but you can optimize your health.
Leave a Reply