What is it?

Often referred to as a “slipped disc,” a disc injury in fact is the result of an inflamed or compressed nerve root due to a herniated nucleus pulposus (soft jellylike center of a disc). There are 3 main types of disc injuries. The first disc injury consists of annular fiber tears which do not extend to the outer aspects of the disc. Thus, the inner nuclear material is prevented from completely escaping the disc. The second type of disc injury, commonly referred to as a disc herniation, consists of annular tears which run from the innermost aspects of the annulus (where the nucleus is) to the outermost aspects of the annulus. In this type of injury, the pressurized nuclear material can squeeze through the tears in the annulus and escape to the outside of the disc. When this occurs, the nuclear material may come in contact with nearby spinal nerves and even the spinal cord. In the third type of disc injury, referred to as a disc bulge, the inner nucleus loses hydration; common in those with prolonged spinal stress and the elderly. Similar to the previous injury, the nearby spinal nerves and spinal cord may become impinged from the bulging disc.

Possible Causes

Heavy Lifting
Disc Dehydration
Prolonged Sitting
Muscle Imbalances
Obesity
Aging of Disc Matrix
Repetitive Loading