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Medicine

Biomechanics of Spinal Disc Herniation and Radiculopathy

Quick fact

The disc's inner core, the nucleus pulposus, is about 70-80% water and behaves like a water balloon, distributing pressure evenly across the vertebral bodies. When you bend forward, the pressure on the disc can increase by up to 200% compared to standing upright.

Why this is interesting

We all know that a 'slipped disc' causes back pain and sciatica, but have you ever wondered why the disc slips and why some herniations cause crippling leg pain while others are silent? The answer lies in a perfect storm of mechanical forces and the disc's own material properties.