Slipped Disc

What is commonly referred to as a slipped disc is actually a disc that has become compressed, or herniated, and is bulging out from between two vertebra, so technically is not a slipped disc at all.

The protruding part of the slipped disc does not magically "slip back into place", and if left untreated, scar tissue is likely to form around the protrusion, walling it in.

Occasionally a slipped disc will be symptom free, but most commonly a varying degree of pain or other symptoms will be present. The pain associated with a slipped disc is mainly due to pressure on the nerve roots, or the spinal cord, and the severity of pain caused by a slipped disc may range from mild to agonising pain in the back or neck, in conjunction with a "numb" sensation or limb weakness or even headaches.

If located in the neck region, a slipped disc will bring varying forms of weakness, pain in either the shoulder, neck, hand or arm. A slipped disc in the mid region of the back may cause spasms in the legs but not in the arms.

A lower back slipped disc may also present symptoms such as tingling or numbness in the genital or anal areas, or pain down the back of each leg from the buttocks to behind the knee, pain with general movement (such as straining from coughing, or raising the legs) in the lower back may become evident through numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the buttocks, back, legs, or feet.

Regardless of where a slipped disc occurs, the need to have it repaired as fast as possible is absolutely necessary. Left untreated a slipped disc can continue to deteriorate and lead to more serious and long term problems with mobility, or even impairing bowel and bladder control.

A chiropractor is usually able to locate a slipped disc and help repair the area of the spine that may be interfering with correct nervous system control of your body. Simple adjustments might help to restore the correct position and motion of a slipped disc and malfunctioning spinal bones, and this can help reduce nervous system involvement, alleviating back pain considerably.

When caught before permanent damage is caused, and reinstating proper movement and position of affected spinal joints, slipped disc tissue often returns to a more normal size and shape.

The suggested starting point in diagnosing the cause of a slipped disc, no matter how mild the pain or discomfort, is to locate a chiropractor for an assessment and suggested treatment plan.

To ensure your slipped disc is assessed and treatment prescribed by a professional chiropractor simply enter your postcode or suburb, purchase in a treatment voucher, and the details of the chiropractor nearest you will be emailed almost immediately.

No one should suffer in pain from a slipped disc to the point that it impairs their enjoyment of life, so locate and visit your nearest chiropractor today and you may find a simple visit or two is all it takes to have your slipped disc fixed and see you back on track to pain free living.