Why is Our Spine so Prone to Injury?
The spine is made up of a chain of bones called vertebrae. They are connected together by ligaments and muscles and separated by discs which act like cushions absorbing shock along the spine. The discs are prone to injury and degeneration as we use our back and neck each day due to compressive stresses, torqueing, lifting, and bending.
In the lower levels of the lumbar spine, forces can equal 2000 to 3000 PSI (pounds per square inch). Repeated injury weakens and eventually tears the discs. As a result, bulging, protrusion, or herniation can press on spinal nerves causing sciatica, back or neck pain, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
During normal activities, the pressure inside the discs typically range between +100 mm/HG to +300 mm/HG Spinal Disc Decompression can reduce the pressure inside the disc to approximately –150 mm/HG, shrinking disc herniations and drawing in necessary fluids and nutrients.
