Our spinal discs are remarkable structures, playing a vital role in supporting and cushioning our vertebrae. But did you know they rely heavily on movement for nourishment? Many people think that discs just cushion your spine; however, they also act as ligaments, holding the bones of your vertebrae together. This makes them essential for both flexibility and stability.
Keeping your discs healthy requires spinal motion. Proper motion of the vertebrae above and below the disc creates an osmosis-like effect, pulling nutrients across the pressure gradient. This process delivers 90% of the nutrition your discs need, with only 10% coming from the blood supply. Without regular motion, the discs stiffen, dry out, and become more prone to degeneration and injury.
The Jelly Donut Analogy
You can view your discs as jelly donuts, which makes it easier to understand their structure and function. When you’re young, your discs are like fresh donuts—soft, flexible, and filled with a gel-like center. But as they lose nourishment, they become more like stale donuts, brittle, and prone to cracks.
Dr. Steve emphasizes, “If you lack movement in your spine, you’re not feeding your discs anymore, and that’s how they degenerate over time.”
This stiffening doesn’t just age your spine; it makes it more vulnerable to injury like herniated or ruptured discs.
Lifestyle Habits That Impact Your Spine
Your lifestyle choices also play a significant role in the health of your spinal discs. According to research, smoking accelerates disc deterioration.
“If you’re a smoker, your entire system becomes acidic, and in an acidic environment, the discs dry out and tend to be injured and deteriorate more,” says Dr. Steve.
He adds that people who smoke end up having back issues because smoking affects their discs. This highlights the importance of maintaining healthy habits for long-term spinal health.
Why Chiropractic Care Matters
Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most effective ways to maintain spinal health. Beyond addressing pain, adjustments can reset motor pathways, restore function, and support multiple body systems, including digestion and respiration.
Keep Your Spine Moving
Regular activity, healthy habits, and chiropractic care ensure that your discs stay well-nourished and your spine stays strong. Healthy motion leads to healthy discs—so keep moving!
If it’s been a while since your last visit, contact inBalance Chiropractic and Wellness today to book an appointment.