Herniated Disc: The Key Information to Know

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a bulge that appears on a vertebra. The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae, each separated by an intervertebral disc. These intervertebral discs give the spine its flexibility and absorb shocks.

Each disc consists of a fibrous outer ring and a jelly-like core (the nucleus). When the disc becomes weakened and deformed, it can crack and the jelly-like core may protrude outward, forming a bulge called a herniated disc.

How does a slipped disc occur?

A herniated disc can have several causes:

• • lifting heavy loads
• • repetitive movements
• • trauma to the spine

Age-related dehydration of the intervertebral disc can also contribute to the development of a herniated disc.

A herniated disc can cause back pain, depending on where the disc protrusion occurs. Most discs herniation develop in the lower back, affecting the lumbar vertebrae and often causing lower back pain.

Because nerves run along the spine to different parts of the body, a disc herniation can irritate a nerve along its path. The sciatic nerve is often affected, causing pain from the lower back down the leg. This condition is called sciatica caused by a herniated disc.

How to relieve a disc herniation?

To help reduce herniated disc pain, Ergotech has designed the Ergoccyx cushion for herniated disc relief. Available in versions for office/home use, vehicles and construction equipment, this ergonomic cushion supports you in everyday situations and works in several ways:

• • Opens the pelvis: thicker at the back than at the front, the Ergotech herniated disc cushion helps open the pelvis and straighten the back into a more natural curve. This helps prevent compression of the intervertebral discs and abdominal pressure that can affect nerves running along the spine.
• • Relieves pressure on the coccyx and sacrum: a cut-out in the foam helps avoid pressure on the coccyx and sacrum while sitting.
• • Reduces pressure: the High-Resilience foam combined with High-Viscosity fluid helps distribute pressure while sitting and reduces tingling or numbness in the buttocks.
• • Absorbs shocks and vibrations: the Vehicle and Machinery versions help reduce vibrations and shocks experienced while driving cars, trucks, buses, construction machinery or forklifts. These vibrations are a known aggravating factor for people suffering from conditions such as a herniated disc.

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