Slipped Disc

The term Slipped Disc is sometimes used simultaneously when describing a disc herniation, but, in fact, the disc technically does not slip.  A disc herniation refers to a shift or movement of the nucleus pulposus, the fibrocartilage, the bone, or the annular fibrosis tissue beyond the IVD space.  If this is greater than 50%, it is not a disc herniation but a disc bulge. 

Disc Bulge

The circumference of a disc bulge is typically less than 3mm and is caused by axial loading or angular motion.  There are different ways to describe disc herniations such as extrusion, protrusion, contained and non-contained, and intravertebral.  A focal-protrusion is only 25% or less and a broad-base protrusion is 25%-50% of the circumference.  According to radiologist Dr. Michael Whitehead, an extrusion is described by saying “the greatest distance between the edges of the disc material beyond the disc space is greater than the distance between the edges of the base.  A lack of continuity with the disc material in the disc space describes the extrusion.”  A contained versus un-contained disc herniation just describes whether or not the outer annulus keeps the nucleus pulposus within the anatomical limits. 

Chiropractic care

A chiropractor’s job is to reduce the pressure on the disc through adjustments and physiotherapy.  A technique called Cox Flexion/Distraction helps to pump the disc by bringing in blood and oxygen for healing while decreasing local inflammation and pain while restoring range of motion.