Slipped Disc or Lumbar Disc Herniation, Disc Prolapse and Sciatica
Although people often refer to a slipped disc, the disc doesn’t actually move out of place. The term herniation is better as it means that the material at the centre of the disc has squeezed out of its normal space.
This problem mainly affects people between 35 and 45 years of age.
Anatomy of the spine
The mobile part of the spine is formed by 24 vertebral bones, piled on top of one another to form the spinal column. The lower section of the back is called the lumbar spine and has 5 vertebrae (referred to as L1 to L5). The lowest vertebra of the lumbar spine, L5, connects on to the top of a bone called the sacrum.
Between the vertebrae are Intervertebral discs, made of a tough connective tissue or annulus around the outside of a spongy central part called the nucleus. These fibres help the disc withstand tension and pressure, like a shock absorber. Between the vertebrae of each spinal segment at the back are two joints called facets. The alignment of the facet joints of the spine allows movement of the back or neck to bend or rotate. The vertebrae are held together by tough fibrous, rubber band like tissues, called ligaments.
What causes Disc Herniation?
Disc herniation occurs when the toothpaste like nucleus in the centre of the disc squeezes out of its normal space. The nucleus presses against the outer part of the bag or annulus, causing the disc to bulge outward. Occasionally the nucleus pushes completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc.
Normal daily actions can cause the nucleus to press against the annulus but when we are younger the body is normally able to withstand this force. But, as the disc ages, it tends to split and repair with inflexible scar tissue. As we get older the disc weakens, and the nucleus may begin to push through the damaged annulus, and sometimes to herniate completely through.
Inappropriate bending,sitting, twisting and lifting puts enormous pressure on the disc and can lead to disc prolapse or herniation.
Causes of Pain with a Herniated or Prolapsed disc
Pain can come from inflammation which occurs when the nucleus squeezes through the annulus, which in turn can cause a muscular “spasm” which is painful in itself.
A disc herniation may also put pressure on a spinal nerve or its blood supply causing pain along the course of the nerve. This is often referred to as sciatica.
Symptoms