Experiencing back pain can be extremely debilitating. It can make it hard to perform everyday activities and can even make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. If you're suffering from back pain, you may be wondering what could be causing it. One possibility is that you have a slipped spinal disc.
In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about slipped spinal discs—what they are, what causes them, and how to treat them.
A slipped spinal disc, also known as a herniated disc, can be a very painful condition. It occurs when the soft inner core of the disc bulges out through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This can put pressure on the nerves that run through the spine and cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area.
While a slipped disc can happen to anyone, there are certain factors that can increase your risk, such as age (as discs degenerate with age), obesity (which puts extra pressure on the spine), and smoking (which contributes to disc degeneration).
Luckily, there are a number of treatment options available for those suffering from a slipped disc. In most cases, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication are enough to provide relief. However, in more severe cases, physical therapy, epidural injections, and even surgery may be necessary.
Let's take a closer look at all you need to know about slipped spinal discs.
What is a Slipped Spinal Disc?
A slipped spinal disc occurs when the soft inner core of the disc bulges out through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This can put pressure on the nerves that run through the spine and cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area.
Spinal discs act as cushions between the bones in your spine (vertebrae) and help them move smoothly against each other. These discs act as shock absorbers for your spine and help keep the vertebrae in place. A slipped spinal disc, also known as a herniated disc, occurs when one of these discs moves out of position or ruptures. This is because when the inner core of the disc protrudes through the outer layer, it looks like a hernia—a bulge or sac that occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through an opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.