Slipped Disc – A Problem with Many Names

Also known as a herniated, ruptured, bulging or prolapsed disc, a slipped disc is an unfortunately common problem with many names. Oh, and not to be left unmentioned, some people refer to a slipped disc as a pinched nerve. So, with this many names, it is obvious that a slipped disc is well known and a common complaint among back pain sufferers. So what does a slipped disc really mean and how can you find relief from its effects?

While most common in the lower back region, a slipped disc can really occur anywhere along the spine. A disc will be more prone to this problem if repetitive strain or trauma occurs. General aging of the disc can also lead to a herniation. When a disc herniates or slips, it can pinch nerves sending pain traveling along that nerve path. If a slipped disc occurs in the neck, numbness, tingling, weakness and pain will be felt in the shoulder, arm or hand. If the slipped disc occurs in the low back, these same sensations will be felt in the back, legs, feet, buttocks or genitals. This pain radiates due to the nerve impingement caused by the herniation. When visiting a chiropractic physician for this condition, they will take a health history, perform a physical examination and order diagnostic tests such as an MRI or CT scan to pinpoint the exact location of the slipped disc. The chiropractor, aided with the results of these diagnostic tests, will determine if the pain is axial, or mechanical, in which the pain is felt in the actual disc space or if it is radicular, which will be radiating pain felt away from the disc. A common form of radicular pain is sciatica. Some conservative therapies that are generally effective for a slipped disc include gentle massage, traction, hot/cold therapies, ultrasound, electric stimulation and chiropractic care.

References Cited in this Article

www.emedicinehealth.com

www.spine-health.com

www.neurosurgerytoday.org