Herniated, bulging, and ‘slipped’ discs

In my time as a chiropractor both at Physiowell in Dubai and in my previous positions abroad, one of the most common ailments that I’ve seen is a well-known condition informally known as a ‘slipped disc’.

Whether it be elite South African rugby players at the height of their game, casual gym goers, or even the elderly, the main source of their localized back pain and subsequent symptoms stem from this condition.

herniated disc - bulging disc

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Dr. Trevor Naidoo Chiropractor Physiowell, Dubai

What is a ‘slipped disc’?

Let’s do a quick dive into what exactly a ‘slipped disc’ is. Basically, your spinal column is made up of a stack of 24 vertebrae, and between each of these lies a disc made of a soft, gelatinous substance surrounded by a strong exterior. Discs are designed to cushion impact and act as a shock absorber for your spine.

Sometimes, these discs can tear or become inflamed, causing the jelly-like substance to leak out or protrude, this is what we call a ‘slipped disc’. A full tear and leak is called a herniated disc, and an inflammation of the disc is called a bulging disc, however the common term ‘slipped disc’ is colloquially used as a blanket layman term for these.

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and depending on how far up the spine the ‘slipped disc’ is located. Symptoms can include localized pain, a tingling sensation and/or numbness in the legs and arms, and even involuntary bowel movements in extreme cases. This all stems from the substance leaking and resting on the sensitive nerves that run throughout your back. If you feel any of these symptoms, it’s vital that you get a professional to check them out as soon as possible to avoid future complications.

Causes

It’s important to note that disc material degenerates as we age, it’s just a fact of life. However, a single strain or injury at any point in life can cause a “slipped disc”, especially if you play sports and are active.

As we age, even a minor injury from a twisting motion of the spine i.e. twisting and picking up laundry from the ground can cause a “slipped disc”. At Physiowell, our chiropractors and physiotherapists deal with countless instances, all with varying underlying causes.

It is also important to note that some people may be more vulnerable to disc issues and, as a result, may suffer ‘slipped discs’ in several places along the spine. Research has also shown that people with a family history of ‘slipped discs’ are more likely to have the same problem.

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