The human spine is a column of 33 bones called vertebrae. Small, round, flat and spongy discs are positioned between most of these vertebrae. These discs act as shock absorbers and keep the spine healthy and flexible. However, if one of these discs becomes damaged, it may bulge or break open. When this happens, it is called a spinal disc herniation and commonly referred to as a slipped disc, herniated disc or ruptured disc.
Often times, a herniated disc or slipped disc will press upon a nerve running through or extending from your spine and cause severe pain, numbness and/or weakness in the area of the body that nerve controls.
At our Baker Chiropractic and Wellness clinics in Cincinnati, we have been correctly diagnosing and relieving the painful symptoms of slipped discs, herniated discs and ruptured discs for nearly 20 years.
Causes of Slipped Discs, Herniated Discs and Ruptured Discs
A slipped disc or herniated disc may be caused by general wear and tear of the discs as we get older. Spinal disc herniations may also be caused by an injury to your spine resulting in tears or cracks in the fibrous outer layer of the spinal disc allowing the soft, jelly-like interior of the disc to be forced out and bulge or even break open.
Symptoms of Slipped Discs, Herniated Discs and Ruptured Discs
The symptoms of a slipped disc, herniated disc or ruptured disc will vary based in the location of the disc herniation and the extent of the bulge or break and the tissues impacted.
Symptoms can range from very little or no pain to constant and severe pain in your neck or back that radiates into other parts of your body. Other symptoms associated with slipped discs or herniated discs include numbness, tingling, weakness in muscles or sensations of your arms or legs “falling asleep” (a condition called paresthesia).
Cervical Disc Herniations
Cervical disc herniations are slipped discs located in the neck region of your spine. Herniated discs commonly occur between the fifth and sixth (C5 and C6) and the sixth and seventh (C6 and C7) vertebrae. Herniated discs in this region will typically cause you to feel pain or numbness in the back of your head, neck, shoulders, arms and hands.
Lumbar Disc Herniations
Lumbar disc herniations are slipped discs located in the lower back region of your spine. Herniated discs commonly occur between the fourth and fifth (L4 and L5) lumbar vertebrae or between the fifth (L5) lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum. Herniated discs in this area cause you to feel pain or numbness in your lower back, buttocks, legs and feet.
The sciatic nerve is often times impacted by a slipped or herniated disc in the lumbar region of your spine causing sciatica. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest single nerve in your body and extends from the lower back down through your buttocks into your legs.
Avoid Back Surgery, Talk to Us First or Talk to Us After a Failed Back Surgery
Back pain, including the pain caused from a slipped disc or herniated disc, is rarely solved by back surgery. If you are considering back surgery, we invite you to talk to us first. We have hundreds of patients who have come to us after a failed back surgery to correct their problem. Our safe, proven and effective care helps patients suffering from all types of back pain without using prescription medications or surgery. Please contact us for a consultation via telephone or Skype. We will discuss your specific issues, provide you with guidance and help you either find a qualified physician in your area or arrange a visit to one of our clinics.
Doctors Paul and Patrick 