Herniated intervertebral disc, otherwise known as slipped disc, is one of the most debilitating musculoskeletal conditions, as it can greatly diminish your quality of life. The herniation or rupture of the intervertebral disc, a cushion in between two vertebrae not only causes the most excruciating pain but can to a great extent, limit mobility and cause physical dependence.

The 33 vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column are normally stacked on top of each other, supported and connected by the joints and back muscles to maintain an upright posture. In between two vertebrae, is the intervertebral disc, which is made up an inner gelatinous substance, called the nucleus pulposus, surrounded and maintained by an outer and tougher layer, the annulus fibrosus. The inner layer of the disc functions to absorb stress and to prevent the rasping of the vertebrae. The herniation of the disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus sticks out of the weakened annulus fibrosus, compressing the nerves in the spine. Increased pressure on the spinal nerves causes the manifestations of slipped disc, which greatly depend on the affected region of the back. Herniated disc commonly affects the upper or thoracic region of the back.

Recurrent and chronic episodes of lower back pains are typically experienced in herniated discs, which typically radiate across the buttocks and down to the back of the leg. Frequently, in uncomplicated herniation, only one leg is affected at a time. Most cases of herniated nucleus pulposus result in sciatica, which describes a mild to an excruciating lower back pain that radiates down to the back of the leg with numbness and tingling sensations. The pressure on the spinal nerves causes increased pain on coughing and sneezing. Simple movements of sitting, walking and straining can also aggravate the pain. In some cases, the person with slipped disc demonstrates postural deformity, impaired sexual functions, weakness, decreased reflexes in the knees and the absence of the normal slight inward curvature of the lower back.

Herniated Disc Diagnosis ¦ How to Treat Herniated Disc ¦ Herniated Intervertebral Disc Ttreatment