Characterizing the Baseline Regional Biphasic Mechanical Properties of Cervical Intervertebral Discs.

Summary: Your neck bones have squishy discs between them that act like shock absorbers. Scientists know a lot about the discs in your lower back, but not much about the ones in your neck. In this study, researchers tested the different parts of human neck discs to see how strong and bouncy they are. They found that the top and bottom caps of the disc (called the endplates) are much stiffer and hold more pressure than the squishy inside or the tough outside ring. The inside and outside parts are actually quite similar to each other. This special design helps your neck move around easily while still supporting your head!