If you have an issue with one or more of your spinal discs, you’ve likely heard the term “slipped disc.” This term is sometimes used interchangeably with bulging disc and herniated disc. However, as your spinal discs are firmly attached to your vertebrae, they do not slip or move. Instead, it is the gel-like material inside your disc that “slips” out.
Spinal discs are shock absorbing rings that separate the vertebrae and play a crucial role in the lower back, supporting the upper body and allowing a wide range of movement in all directions.
The disc is made up of a sturdy fibrocartilaginous outer layer of fibres called the Annulus Fibrosis, and a jelly-like interior called the Nucleus Pulposis. With movement, the nucleus moves within the annulus adjusting to the pressures placed upon your spine.
If you have an issue with one or more of your spinal discs, you’ve likely heard the term “slipped disc.” This term is sometimes used interchangeably with bulging disc and herniated disc. However, as your spinal discs are firmly attached to your vertebrae, they do not slip or move. Instead, it is the gel-like material inside your disc that “slips” out.
Due to aging and general wear and tear, the discs lose some of the fluid that makes them pliable and spongy. As a result, the discs tend to become flatter and harder. The annulus may crack or tear—and in turn the nucleus pulpous may protrude out of the tear in the disc and press against the nerve where it exits the spine. This inner material is highly inflammatory and any contact with the nerve can cause pain in the back, muscle spasming, and even nerve pain and numbness/tingling into the legs.
A herniated disc can be a result of:
- Repeated micro trauma - Poor posture when sitting, standing and working stresses your spine and sustained slouching leads to weakening of posterior annulus over time, and displacement of the nucleus posteriorly.
- Sudden load – think picking up a heavy box with poor posture and then twisting, or a car accident. Unexpected load or torsion through a disc can result in tearing of the annulus
Osteopaths can assist in treating disc injuries and back pain by releasing the surrounding structures which can help to reduce the compression through the disc and irritation of the surrounding nerves. It is important to have these injuries addressed and begin rehab as soon as possible to get you back to your full function.
At Holistic Hands we won’t throw around medical jargon and use confusing terms. Instead, we will educate you on what has happened and why, and ensure you are left feeling in control and empowered about your rehabilitation and management.