Slipped disc

 

What is a slipped disc a.k.a herniated disc

A slipped disk refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions (discs) that sit between the individual bones (vertebrae) that stack to make your spine. A spinal disc has a soft, jellylike center (nucleus) encased in a tougher, rubbery exterior (annulus). Sometimes called a hearniated disc or ruptured disc, a slipped disc occurs when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus. A slipped disc, which can occur in any part of the spine can irritate a nearby nerve. Depending on where the slipped disc is, it can result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.

Many people have no symptoms from a slipped disc. Surgery is usually not necessary to relieve the problem.


Symptoms

Most herniated discs occur in the lower back, although they can also occur in the neck. Your spinal column consists of an intricate network of nerves and blood vessels. A slipped disc can place extra pressure on the nerves and muscles around it.


Symptoms of a slipped disc include:

  • pain and numbness, most commonly on one side of the body

  • pain that extends to your arms or legs

  • pain that worsens at night or with certain movements

  • pain that worsens after standing or sitting

  • pain when walking short distances

  • unexplained muscle weakness

  • tingling, aching, or burning sensations in the affected area

Causes

Disc herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disc degeneration. As you age, your discs become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist.

Most people can't pinpoint the cause of their herniated disc. Sometimes, using your back muscles instead of your leg and thigh muscles to lift heavy objects can lead to a herniated disc, as can twisting and turning while lifting. Rarely, a traumatic event such as a fall or a blow to the back is the cause.

How can treatment help?

To treat a herniated disc, a treatment plan that will mainly involve chiropractic adjustments, manual physiotherapy and exercises, will be developed to help ease your symptoms. The treatments will align and reduce the pressure on your spine and discs, thereby relieving the symptoms. Stretching and strengthening muscles through exercises will help to prevent worsening of symptoms and aid recovery.

The specifics of what are in your treatment plan are particular to your pain, level of activity, overall health, and what your chiropractor thinks is best.  As with any treatment option, don't hesitate to ask questions about what chiropractic treatments are being recommended and why.  You want to make sure you understand what will be done and how it can help relieve your pain. Chiropractic treatment is safe and effective for most patients.