Slipped Disc and Its Details

A slipped disc refers to the spinal discs that have lost the usual form and/or continuity of the spine. The altered form occurs when the inner soft material (nucleus pulposus) of the disc bulges or leaks out of the external (annular) coating. Many medical conditions can be identified for the slipped disc, including a herniated, broken or damaged disc.

Your discs are spinal shock absorbers which aid in even moving loads. The whole movement section – including the adjacent vertebrae, conjunctive tissue, blood vessels, and nerves – may be affected when a slipped disc happens. You need to consult a spine specialist to get the appropriate treatment.

How Slipped Disc Happens?

• Normal disc degeneration, which leads to less hydration and a weakening with age of the nucleus pulposus.

• Disc damage that may occur as a result of raising a heavy load by inappropriate posture or external forces, for example whiplash injuries.

In rare cases, spinal tissue disruption or changes in spinal vertebral structure, such as short pedicles, may lead to the development of a slipped disc.

Contained & Uncontained Discs

When the pulposus nucleus of a slipped disc leaks into the anulusfibrosus tears but does not escape the external layer of the disc, it is referred to as a contained disc.

When the nucleus pulposus spills out of a disc, it is known as an uncontained disc.

Slipped Disc & its forms of pain

A slipped disc causes pain in the local region, for instance your back or neck, or a distant place such as your arm and/or leg, can cause pain.

There might not be discomfort in slipped discs. A herniated disc may be painless and/or resolve spontaneously without care.

Pain in the Nerve

There is typically herniation towards the side and rear of the disc, which has a comparatively thinner annulus fibrosis. This portion of the disc is also near the root of the spinal nerve.

• Mechanical nerve roots compression, which, depending on the location of the compression, can cause nerve pain or weakness in your arm and leg.

• Chemical nerve roots discomfort due to the leak from nucleus pulposus of inflammatory agents

Compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina can occur when the disc is severely herniated.

Come to Longevity to talk to our spine specialists. You can give us a call at OKC to book your appointment ASAP.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.