Slipped Disc

Knowing how your body works will help you understand why injuries happen and how to stay healthy. The spine is made up of stacked bones called vertebrae. They are arranged in three natural curves to keep your body supported. Strong, flexible muscles and ligaments help maintain these curves.

In between each of the bones of the spine are soft cushions, called discs that act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a spongy center and a tough outer ring. There is a constant exchange of fluids in and out of the discs. While we sleep the discs fill with fluid. During the day with standing and sitting, the fluid is pushed out. That is why we are shorter at the end of the day. Posture and how we move during the day affect the size, shape, flexibility, and health of our discs.

Despite the common term, discs do not slip out or fall out, they tear, bulge, and rupture. This allows the inside portion of the disc to put pressure on nearby nerves. The nerves start in the brain and extend down through the spinal canal (a hole in the center of the vertebrae where they exit between the vertebrae and branch out to your body.

When there is damage to a disc, pain and numbness in the back, arms, or legs may result. Contact your healthcare provider for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. A sequence of rest, medication, ice, physical therapy, and exercise may get you through this acute phase. In a few severe cases, surgery is required to decrease pressure on the spinal cord. If the symptoms of pain and numbness caused by the pressure on the spinal cord continue without treatment, there is a possibility of permanent loss of feeling and some loss of function with a part of the body.

Over time, poor posture will cause our discs to wear out early. Just like a sponge, they wring out and cannot do their job. Poor disc health usually starts with poor posture.

To prevent further injury:

• strengthen weak or tight muscles that do not support the back's normal curves

• stop slouching when sitting or standing

• use proper lifting movements

• keep your weight under control

• maintain a strong, flexible body that will hold good posture easily and longer and

• do not smoke (Smoking changes the fluid balance in your discs, so they injure sooner and take longer to heal.)

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