Slipped Disc

Slipped discs are among the most common reasons that people give when they experience back pain. The truth of the matter is that discs do not slip but rather herniate or bulge. Intervertebral discs are weakest to shearing and rotational forces, especially when bending forward.  Discs actually protrude posterior and laterally from the spine, right into the area where the nerve exits! Depending on where that disc herniates or bulges, sharp pain can be present in the neck or back with radiation of pain, and if severe, to the arm/hand and leg/foot. At times, numbness and tingling coupled with muscle weakness may be present.

Slipped disc usually affects people from the ages of 20-40; this is when the disc is healthiest. As you get older (past 40), the disc tends to dry out; chances of disc herniation are less likely. There are multiple causes of slipped disc such as poor posture, excessive heavy lifting when bending forward, daily wear and tear, and injuries and traumas. If the disc is already weak, simple actions such as sneezing or coughing may herniate the disc.

Chiropractic care has been shown to be very effective in managing slipped discs. Under chiropractic care using a combination of rehabilitative exercise, traction, spinal decompression and adjustments, the pressure on the nerve can be relieved by aligning the spine back into its normal position. This helps to take the pressure off the disc, thus creating less interference between brain and body.