Slipped Disc

There is no such thing as a "Slipped Disc"

The term slipped disc has been used to describe the sudden development of back pain and muscle spasm for many decades. It still enjoys use by some medical personnel (and netdoctor) when explaining back pain. However a disc cannot actually slip!

A disc can bulge, it can herniate, but it cannot slip.

The disc is composed of an outer structure made of laminated fibre, and a soft inner material called the nucleus pulposis (remanent of the notocord). The soft inner layer normally acts somewhat like a ball bearing between the vertebra above and below. It allows the spine to move in various directions. The fibres of the disc penetrate and become part of the bone of the vertebra.

In fact in massive trauma, such as a car accident, it is more likely that the bone fractures before disc damage occurs.

Disc Bulge

The outer layer can deteriorate during our life due to injury, poor diet and poor posture. As the outer layer fails the inner soft region is squeezed and can bulge the disc as it forces its way out.

Disc Prolapse

A disc prolapse occurs when the inner soft material ruptures through the fibrous outer disc, and then leaks into the spinal canal, or intervertebral foramen, where the nerves exit the spine. A prolapse can be a very serious condition and needs to be assessed quickly.