Do Spinal Discs Slip?

Do I have a slipped disc?

The intervertebral disc, a pad of cartilage type material located between the spinal bones, acts as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. It also allows normal turning and bending. The disc consists of outer over 70 layers of fibrous tissue with a soft, jelly like centre. 

Technically, a disc can’t ‘slip’. This is due to the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae (the spinal bones) above and below.

Injury or trauma to the disc can result in the disc tearing, bulging, herniating, or at worst, rupturing. This is an extremely painful condition as the soft centre of the disc leaks and places pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord. There may also be weakness or tingling where-ever the affected nerve goes to.

With the correct diagnosis and treatment, most people recover from a Disc Herniation without surgery. Want more information– ask Dr Cristina– she has 2 disc herniations herself and has helped hundreds of people with theirs!