What is a slipped disc and why does it cause?

Answer 1

Our spinal cord is made up of several stacked-up bones. These bones are called the vertebrae. In between each vertebra are shock-absorbing discs. Each disc has a hard outer covering and a softer inner portion. When we refer to slip disc, it is this cushioning of the spine that is being referred to.

The spinal cord is an extremely narrow part of the anatomy. When this gel slips out it irritates the nearby nerves. This condition is known as a slipped disc. It may also be referred to as a herniated disc, bulging disc, or prolapsed disc, and often these terms are used interchangeably.

Wear and tear associated with aging can cause a slipped disc. When young, the discs are spongy and have a lot of fluid content. As you grow older they tend to dry up and harden, making them more susceptible to injury. This process is called disc degeneration. It is not a progressive condition and having it does not necessarily mean that one will face chronic back problems.

Another reason a slipped disc may occur is due to extreme physical exertion. Sometimes just twisting your back in a particular way or lifting a heavy object incorrectly may cause a slipped disc. Being overweight also puts you at risk of developing a slipped disc. In this case, the spinal discs support the additional weight which in turn adds pressure onto them. Similarly, jobs that require people to be seated for most of the day such as driving or a desk job could stress the spinal discs.

Ranka Hospital, Pune provides treatment for slipped discs.

Answer 2

It doesn't actually slip out of place since it is attached to the bodies of vertebrae. Instead, it is more of a bulging, or herniation of the fluid inside the capsule that causes the vertebrae to be misaligned, and said to have 'slipped' out of place.