"I slipped a disc!" - What does that really mean?

Quite often, new patients come into to my office and tell me that they were told by a friend, family member, or health professional that they probably have a "slipped a disc." They've been suffering with neck or low back pain for an extended period of time, which may or may not have pain or symptoms into the arms or legs.  But what does the term "slipped disc" really mean?

The lay term "slipped disc" refers to damaged intervertebral discs where the outer layer fibers become weak from trauma or repetitive loading over time with poor mechanics. The pressure of gravity on the intervertebral disc forces the fluid inside the disc to distribute into the outer "weaker" fibers of the disc causing the disc to eventually "protrude", "bulge" or "herniate".  Depending on the severity of the disc protrusion, this can cause neurological symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling into the arms or legs.  

So why does this happen? 

Trauma affecting the intervertebral discs, can be due to major trauma (for example, an accident) or smaller repetitive minor trauma (sitting, driving).  Both of these major and minor trauma's can  potentially lead to degenerative changes in the spine known as degenerative disc disease, more commonly referred to as "arthritis!" Degenerative arthritis is a result of normal "wear and tear"on our bodies, and since we use our spine everyday to perform everything we do, you can see why the spine can have quite a bit of "wear and tear" to it.  

How common is arthritis?

Most people by the age of 50 have some degenerative changes in their spine, depending on their lifestyle including exercise patterns, hobbies & career. Arthritis can vary from very minimal to very severe.  But many people with degeneration will NOT experience back pain.  Therefore it is important to understand that most people with degeneration due to the aging process may not exhibit any symptoms even if degeneration is apparent on an x-ray or another diagnostic imaging modality (ie CT, MRI). So degenerative disc disease may not even be entirely responsible for the symptoms you are experiencing from that "slipped disc!" 

How can Chiropractic help? 

Chiropractic care aims to reduce the subluxation (misalignment of a vertebrae) which is causing pain and inflammation in the areas of the spine.  Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve the mobility of the spine allowing proper functioning, and of course movement of the body.  Chiropractors will also educate you on exercises focussed directly on improving the stability of your core (trunk muscles) which will get you out of pain and slow down the degenerative changes of the spine, allowing you to live an active pain-free life! 

Dr. Amber Eckel is a Chiropractor at Aurora Integrative Medical in Burnaby, BC, Canada.