|
All these terms that you hear with regard to spine like a herniated disc, rupture and prolapsed disks are commonly used for slipped disk. They all occur due to exertion of pressure by the cushion or discs between the spinal joints on the associated nerves. Though it is to be a slipped disc but in true sense, they don't slip but rupture or split.
The discs associated with spinal joints are called cushions and they support the spine and also act as shock absorbers. The area is surrounded by gelatinous or jelly-like substances. When the discs rupture or split the jelly-like substances slips out through the joint structures of joints. Leaking of this substance exerts pressure on a single nerve fiber or a bundle of nerve fibers or on the spinal cord. This arouses a kind of pain in the area where the slipped disc has occurred.
The most susceptible area of slipped disk is the lower back or the lumbar spinal area, but any portion of the spine can experience this problem. The most common factor of slipped disc is aging. Due to aging, degeneration of the muscles, nerves and the cushions occurs. The cushions lose their elasticity and become vulnerable to rupture. Besides from this, injury from an accident or excessive pressure on the spinal cord can also cause slipped disk.
|