Prolapsed (Slipped) Disc

Inter Vertebral Discs (IVDs) are the cartilage pads that separate the vertebrae in your spinal column. Inter vertebral discs are made of outer fibrous rings (annulus fibrosus) attached to the vertebrae, with a softer gel like ball in the middle of the disc (nucleus pulposus).

The discs act as shock absorbers and help to spread load within your spine. They also help with freedom of movement.

Some people talk about the discs in your spine “slipping”. The discs in your back cannot actually slip out. It is better to classify them as bulging or herniated. A chiropractor can help assess if you have true lower back disc trouble.

When you suffer from a disc injury, as is the case with other injuries you suffer, an inflammatory reaction around the area of damage takes place, resulting in radiating pain down the arm or leg or across the chest depending on where the injury site is. You can also suffer muscle weakness and pins and needles.

If you come to Essential chiropractic clinic with a suspected disc problem, your chiropractor will perform various neurological and orthopaedic tests to arrive at a diagnosis.

Your chiropractor may arrange for you to get an X-ray of your spine. X-rays will assess your bone and joint quality only, whilst an MRI is needed to see the quality of your discs and nerves. If there is a disc problem your chiropractor will tell you and depending on their findings recommend a multi-modal approach to treatment that may well include spinal manipulative therapy or if nerves are severely compressed refer you to a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon for spinal surgery assessment.