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SLIPPED DISC
Discs do
not actually “slip”. Rather, they may
herniate or bulge out from between the
bones. A herniation is a displaced fragment
of the center part or nucleus of the disc
that is pushed through a tear in the outer
layer or annulus of the disc. Pain results
when irritating substances are released from
this tear and also if the fragment touches
or compresses a nearby nerve. Disc
herniation has some similarities to
degenerative disc disease and discs that
herniate are often in an early stage of
degeneration. Herniated discs are common in
the low back or lumbar spine. What causes
discs to herniate?
Many
factors decrease the strength and resiliency
of the disc and increase the risk of disc
herniation. Life style choices such as
smoking, lack of regular exercise, and
inadequate nutrition contribute to poor disc
health. Poor posture, daily wear and tear,
injury or trauma, and incorrect lifting or
twisting further stress the disc. If the
disc is already weakened, it may herniate
with a single movement or strain such as
coughing or bending to pick up a pencil.
How is a
disc herniation treated?
Mild to
moderate disc herniations can usually be
treated conservatively with stretching,
exercise therapy and chiropractic care. More
advanced cases will often require some form
of spinal decompression, such as traction or
mechanical decompression, in conjuction with
chiropractic care.
Occasionally, a herniation may be severe
enough to warrant surgical intervention.
These cases are usually reserved as a last
resort when other forms of therapy have
failed to relieve pain, or if there is
significant compression of the spinal cord
or nerves. |
