Sometimes Discs Can Be A Real Pain!
They may slip, slide, herniate, or rupture but they have an important job to do. Often likened to shock absorbers, intervertebral discs act as cushions to keep the vertebrae from rubbing against one another. Made up of a tough outer layer and a gelatin-like center, they are held in place with ligaments. But what happens when you have a slipped, torn, ruptured or herniated disc (terms for the same condition)? Sometimes cracks develop in the outer disc layer. When this happens, some of the material in the disc center may leak or bulge and press on spinal nerves and cause pain. The two most common areas for disc involvement are the cervical (neck) area and the lumbar (low Back) spine. Disc problems in the lumbar spine are the most common cause of lower back pain. General wear and tear, traumatic injury to a lumbar disc and chronic improper lifting techniques are common causes. However, it is natural for discs to degenerate with age, so any type of strain or twisting movement can cause damage. A genetic predisposition may also exist. Disc problems respond well to chiropractic care and are one of the biggest conditions we treat.