A slipped disc, or herniated disc, and is a medical condition where there is a tear in the outer ring of the spinal disc.
The spinal discs act like support cushions in between the vertebrae, which makes up the spinal column. The spinal column is made up of 23 discs and are positioned between the vertebra. They are tough ligaments that hold the vertebrae of the spine together and act as shock absorbers and allow for mobility in the spine.
Spinal discs have a tough exterior that protects a soft, gelatinous gel center. Damage to the outer ring of the disc causes the gel center to protrude out and causes a herniated disc. It can be extremely painful because it affects nearby nerves and pain is continuously felt and is isolated in one part of the body.
Spinal discs degenerate over time, which makes the outer rings more susceptible to damage that may be caused by strain, injury and trauma. It can also result from another condition called disc protrusion where the outer ring remains intact but the gel center pushes out.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with ultrasound, x-ray or CT scan to check for spinal deformities or bone abnormalities.
