Contact | Free MRI review
1-800-533-7313
Auto Font Resizer
Decrease font sizeDefault font sizeIncrease font size

Desiccated Disc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a desiccated disc and a normal functioning disc?
more faqs »

General Information

A desiccated disc is a degenerative disc by definition. Desiccation means “dried up”. When we are young, the nucleus of intervertebral disc has high water content and appears as a bright white signal on an MRI scan. As the chemical structure of the nucleus changes as we age, it loses its ability to act as a biological sponge and absorb water to act as a hydraulic shock absorber. It is often cross referenced as a “black disc”.

For more information please click here to visit our degenerative disc disease condition page