Have I slipped a disc?
No, a disc does not actually slip. Discs are attached to the vertebrae above and below it. Discs can tear, bulge, prolapse, herniate or degenerate but they do not “slip”.
Each disc is filled with a soft, “jelly like” core which is surrounded by firm, fibrous tissue. Disc problems arise with abnormal stresses, positioning or spinal dysfunction which can compromise the core. the disc then flattens or bulges and irritates the adjacent nerve.
Disc problems in the lumbar spine (lower back) may cause local pain or shooting pain down your buttock and thigh into the back of your leg. This is called sciatica. Disc problems in the cervical spine (neck) may cause similar pain in the shoulder, arm and hand.
Disc Tear
This is the most common disc injury. A small crack occurs in the tough outer cartilage which allows the fluid of the “jelly” core to start leaking out. The disc begins to become thinner.
Bulging Disc
The soft core begins to push to one side, the front or the back. It is still contained in the cartilage but can cause painful pressure on the nerve.
Prolapsed Disc
A piece of the disc breaks off and floats around.
Herniated Disc
The soft core breaks through the cartilage and extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc putting pressure on the nerve.
Degenerated Disc
The disc loses its soft core. It becomes worn out and the vertebral bones start to fuse together.
As we age spinal discs can become dehydrated and less flexible which may cause the discs to thin. Degenerated discs are often associated with spinal instability and often lead to more advanced joint and nerve injury.
But I just bent over to tie my shoes!
Many disc injuries are associated with trauma but often years of poor posture, incorrect lifting & bending, stress and spinal neglect can play a major role. Regular chiropractic care can help prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.
How Can Chiropractic Help?
Your chiropractor is uniquely trained to diagnose and manage your disc problems.
They will review your complete health history and perform a thorough physical examination to pinpoint any physical problems. In addition they may assess your posture, behaviour, physical condition and work & home environments.
Your chiropractic care may include spinal adjustments, stretches & exercises and corrections to your posture, behaviour and lifestyle.
Although a small percentage of cases may require surgery, recent studies prove that chiropractic care is effective in managing disc problems.
Chiropractic care offers safe, effective management for disc problems without the use of drugs or surgery.
What do your discs do?
Your spinal column is made up of 24 vertebrae which are tacked up like a pile of donuts. Between each of these vertebrae are pads of cartilage called discs, which act like shock absorbers. Discs also function as spacers, allowing your nerve roots to exit your spinal column between each vertebrae without being “pinched” or irritated.
Healthy discs are an essential part of the spine’s amazing ability to protect the nervous system and allow flexibility and full range of motion.
