A slipped disc, otherwise known as herniated disc occurs when the soft, “rubbery” cushion (disc) between your vertebrae (spine bones) is squeezed out. The purpose of this cushion is to provide a flexible connection between each of your 24 individual vertebrae that make up your spine.
The disc has a fibrous outer ring and a softer central nucleus which acts as a buffer in situations where your back is loaded with weight. If a large enough force is applied down the center of your spine it could push through a weakness in the muscle or fibrous ring surrounding the disc. This will cause the disc to slip out of its usual position.
Micro-trauma, which is caused by continuous stress to the spine is the most frequent cause of hernia. Consider everyday life and the thousands of instances during which bad movements can cause stress to your spine.
What are the symptoms?
- Arm or leg pain: A herniated disk in the lower back can cause intense pain in the buttocks, thigh and calf as well as part of the foot. On the other hand, a herniated disk in the neck can cause intense pain in the shoulder and arm. The pain may get sharper when moving around in certain positions.
- Numbness or tingling: A herniated disk can often lead to numbness or tingling in the area of the body associated with the affected nerves.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness can occur in the muscles served by the affected nerves. This can lead to stumbling or inability to lift or hold items.
A hernia can be recognized from the pain that it causes. It can also manifest itself in other ways such as pain from the lower back radiating all the way down the nerve to your leg. In this case, this condition is called sciatica and generally affects the back or side of the leg.
Who is at risk?
There are numerous professions which constitute a risk for a herniated disc. Several predisposing factors such as being overweight or lacking muscle tone may favor the onset of a hernia as well. Even individuals who train regularly can be at risk if physical activity is interrupted for one reason or another. This is due to the fact that they lose muscle strength and in turn support for the spine. The factors that come into play tend to increase over the course of one’s life. For this reason it is considered a degenerative disease just like arthritis and can affect any individual.
Individuals who are most commonly affected by a slipped disc are men. This is only due to the fact that they are more physically active than women in regards to heavy lifting.
How to prevent a slipped disc from occuring
- Stay physically active and slowly strengthen your back and core muscles through exercise.
- Lift heavy objects using your legs more than your back. This means you should bend your knees before lifting and keep your back straight while getting up.
- Don’t turn or twist abruptly when carrying something heavy. Try to maintain a straight posture without sudden movements of the core.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Being overweight adds stress to your spine.
- Good posture.
