How does the structure of the intervertebral disc in the cervical spine differ from those in the lumbar spine?

How does the structure of the intervertebral disc in the cervical spine differ from those in the lumbar spine?

There are 6 intervertebral discs in the highly-mobile cervical spine. These cervical discs tend to be thinner than the lumbar discs in the lower back but thicker than the thoracic discs in the less-mobile upper back.

Do cervical vertebrae have intervertebral discs?

There is no intervertebral disc between C1 and C2, which is unique in the spine. Two major ligaments support the intervertebral discs. The anterior longitudinal ligament is a broadband that covers the anterolateral surface of the spine from the foramen magnum in the skull to the sacrum.

What is cervical intervertebral disc?

There are 6 intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. Each cervical disc is situated between adjacent vertebrae (one above and one below) to cushion the vertebral bodies and help distribute loads from the neck and head above. A disc has 2 basic components. Annulus fibrosus.

What is intervertebral disc anatomy?

The intervertebral discs are fibrocartilaginous cushions serving as the spine’s shock absorbing system, which protect the vertebrae, brain, and other structures (i.e. nerves). The discs allow some vertebral motion: extension and flexion.

Why is an intervertebral disc not present between C1 and C2?

C1 and C2 are very specialized vertebrae hence why they don’t have an intervertebral disc. C1 is known as atlas and C2 is known as axis and together, these bones make a pivot joint. C1 will allow for anterior posterior movements through the dens and C2 will allow for lateral movements.

Is cervical and lumbar the same?

A cervical disc is an intervertebral disc in your cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar disc is the intervertebral disc in your lumbar region (lower back).

Is there an intervertebral disc between C1 and C2?

There is no intervertebral disc between C1 and C2, which is unique in the spine.

How is intervertebral disc syndrome diagnosed?

How is degenerative disc disease diagnosed? A diagnosis is based on a medical history and a physical examination, as well as the symptoms and the circumstances where the pain started. Magnetic resonance imaging can show damage to discs, but it alone cannot confirm degenerative disc disease.

What are the symptoms of neck disc?

The most common and obvious symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease are neck pain and a stiff neck. When one of these conditions presses on one or more of the many nerves running through the spinal cord, you also can develop pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down your shoulder, arm, and hand.

What forces can cause damage to the intervertebral discs?

Compressive (C) and shear (S) forces on the spine act perpendicular to, and parallel to, the mid-plane of each disc A bending moment (BM) causes the spine to bend, and an axial torque (AT) causes it to rotate about its long axis.