Welcome back to the Muscle and Joint Podcast! Today, we’re going to clear up one of the most misleading terms in healthcare—the idea of a slipped disc. You’ve probably heard someone say they “slipped a disc” or that their disc “popped out,” but here’s the truth—discs don’t slip, slide, or pop out of place. The intervertebral discs in your spine are securely attached to the vertebrae above and below them. They are held in place by strong ligaments and endplates, which means they cannot simply shift out of position. So, if discs don’t slip, what actually happens when someone experiences back pain related to a disc? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore today.

To understand why the term “slipped disc” is misleading, we first need to look at how intervertebral discs are structured. Each disc is made up of two main components—the annulus fibrosus, which is the tough, fibrous outer layer made up of concentric rings of collagen, and the nucleus pulposus, a gel-like inner core that helps absorb and distribute shock. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, allowing for flexibility while also maintaining spinal stability. Because they are firmly integrated into the spine, they cannot become dislodged or move out of place.

Instead of slipping, intervertebral discs can undergo structural changes due to mechanical stress, aging, or injury. These changes can lead to conditions such as disc bulging, disc herniation, or disc degeneration. Disc bulging occurs when the annulus fibrosus weakens, causing the disc to extend slightly outward. This is a normal part of aging and doesn’t always cause pain. Many people have bulging discs without experiencing any symptoms at all. Disc herniation, on the other hand, happens when small tears develop in the annulus fibrosus, allowing the nucleus pulposus to push through. This can sometimes irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain or discomfort. Disc degeneration is another common condition where the discs lose hydration and height over time, reducing their ability to absorb shock efficiently. These changes are natural adaptations of the spine, not indications that something is out of place.

The issue with the term “slipped disc” is that it creates an image of something that is misaligned or needs to be “put back in place.” This misconception can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety, leading people to believe their spine is unstable or severely damaged. In reality, most disc-related changes are a normal part of spinal health and don’t always require extreme interventions like surgery. The key is understanding what’s happening in your spine and knowing how to manage symptoms effectively.

While many people have disc bulges or degenerative changes without symptoms, a herniated disc can sometimes press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. If the herniation occurs in the lower back, pain may radiate into the buttocks, thigh, calf, and even the foot. If the herniation happens in the neck, it may cause pain that extends into the shoulder, arm, or fingers. Some people describe this as a sharp or burning pain that worsens with certain movements, such as coughing or sneezing. However, not everyone with a herniated disc will experience symptoms, and some only discover they have one after undergoing spinal imaging for another issue.

If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, numbness, or weakness that interferes with daily activities, it’s important to seek medical attention. In rare cases, a severely herniated disc can compress the cauda equina, a bundle of nerve roots in the lower spine, leading to loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive weakness...

See the full post here:

https://muscleandjoint.ca/Mississauga/do-spinal-discs-really-slip/

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