SLIPPED DISCS
What is a slipped disc?
A slipped disc is when the soft inner part of the disc bulges through the outer layers. This prolapse may push on the spinal cord or on the nerve roots. The term 'slipped disc' does not really describe the process properly - the disc does not actually slip out of place, but bulges out towards the spinal cord.
What is the cause of a slipped disc?
A slipped disc occurs due to the breaking down of the circle of connective tissue with advancing age. This causes a weakness allowing the soft part to swell. Slipped discs most often affect the lower back but can also occur in the neck too, in which case symptoms will often be felt down the arms and into the hands. It is possible that hard physical labour can increase the likelihood of a slipped disc. They are also occasionally seen following trauma such as an injury from a fall or a road traffic accident.
At what age can a slipped disc occur?
A slipped disc in the lower back is most often seen between the ages of 30 and 50. In the neck, slipped discs are most often seen between the ages of 40 and 60.
What are the symptoms of a slipped disc?
The location of the symptoms of disc damage are different depending on which nerve has been affected. Most frequently there is radiating pain into the arms or legs. There may also be a disturbance of feeling in the limbs, such as numbness or pins and needles.
Muscle paralysis and problems with bowel or bladder habits can occur, and are considered to be important symptoms to be dealt with immediately.
Do Chiropractors treat slipped discs?
Many patients turn to Chiropractic for their slipped discs simply because the NHS currently fails to provide any form of care other than pain relief medication and surgery.
Pain killers just mask the symptoms (whilst anti-inflammatory drugs do reduce the swelling around the spinal nerves). Surgery is also an effective form of treatment for disc-type symptoms, but should be considered a last resort considering the potential risks and the other effective treatments available.
Your Chiropractor will examine you thoroughly to determine the degree of disc-damage as well as the location. Through gentle mobilisation, very specific manual manipulation and a series of stretches, your chiropractor will help your body begin its healing process naturally. A return to comfortable sleeping, pain-free work and risk-free exercise will begin surprisingly quickly.
Not sure which nerve your slipped disc may have affected?
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