By Dr. Jay Mazzella of Eastpointe Chiropractic
This article addresses something we hear all too often in the practice and I'm sure a lot of other health care providers hear it often as well. The term "slipped disc." Disc injuries are one of the more commonly misunderstood aspects of the spine so it is worth a bit of time to get the story straight. Because they are attached to the vertebrae technically discs cannot slip!
The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between spinal bones. The soft jelly-like center is contained by surrounding layers of fibrous tissue. Each serves as a connector, space and shock absorber for the spine. When healthy, discs allow normal turning and bending. Here is a list of the most common types of disc injuries:
Disc Tear The most common disc injury is a small crack in the tough, outer cartilage material of the disc called the annular fibers. This allows the fluid to start to leak out.
Bulging Disc The soft jelly like material in the middle of the disc pushes to one side, forward, or backward and swelling occurs. The nucleus is still contained within the tough outer fibers of the disc but can cause pressure and painful symptoms.
Herniated Disc The soft jelly like material from the nucleus in the middle of the disc ruptures through the tough, outer fibers and extends to the outer edge or beyond the normal limits of the disc.
Prolapsed Disc A bit of disc material separates away and becomes a fragment or a free-floating piece.
Desiccated Disc The disc loses its fluid content and degenerates down to a rough, worn-down or worn-out appearance. This occurs just before the bones fuse together.
If you suspect you have a disc injury see your Chiropractor or health care provider immediately. Symptoms include muscle weakness, pain shooting down a limb, or pain that intensifies when you sneeze or strain.
To your health!