Slipped Disc

illustration of a disc
Discs do not actually "slip". Rather, they may herniate or bulge outward. A herniation is a displaced fragment of the center part of the disc.

You may have heard the term "slipped disc" used to describe a low back injury. Discs do not actually "slip." Rather, they may herniate or bulge out from between the bones. A herniation is a displaced fragment of the center part or nucleus of the disc that is pushed through a tear in the outer layer or annulus of the disc. Pain results when irritating substances are released from this tear and also if the fragment touches or compresses a nearby nerve. Disc herniation has some similarities to degenerative disc disease and discs that herniate are often in an early stage of degeneration. Herniated discs are common in the low back or lumbar spine.

What Causes Discs to Herniate?

Many factors decrease the strength and resiliency of the disc and increase the risk of disc herniation. Life style choices such as smoking, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition contribute to poor disc health. Poor posture, daily wear and tear, injury or trauma, and incorrect lifting or twisting further stress the disc. If the disc is already weakened, it may herniate with a single movement or strain such as coughing or bending to pick up a pencil.

How do I Know if I Have a Disc Herniation?

Herniated discs are most likely to affect people between the ages of 30 and 40. Disc herniations may be present without causing pain. The most common symptom will be pain in the area of the herniation that may radiate across the hips or into the buttocks. You may also experience numbness or pain radiating down your leg to the ankle or foot. If the herniation is large enough, you may notice weakness with extension of your big toe and you may be unable to walk on your toes or heels. In severe cases of lumbar disc herniation, you may experience changes in your bowel or bladder function and may have difficulty with sexual function.

How is a disc herniation treated?

Mild to moderate disc herniations can usually be treated conservatively with stretching, exercise therapy and chiropractic care. More advanced cases will often require some form of spinal decompression, such as traction or mechanical decompression, in conjunction with chiropractic care.

Occasionally, a herniation may be severe enough to warrant surgical intervention. These cases are usually reserved as a last resort when other forms of therapy have failed to relieve pain, or if there is significant compression of the spinal cord or nerves.

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9:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-7:00 pm

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Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Great staff and had awesome results!!! Best in the business!!"
    Shelly Fourth grade
  • "Dr. Bank and the entire staff are amazing! They truly care for your health... and treat you as a family!! Thank you!!"
    Bobbie Jo Bloom
  • "Dr Banks has saved my quality of life! I was involved in two car accidents and go back for regular maintenance. When I waited too long between visits I was unable to walk and he worked me in. Within two visits I was back to normal. I highly recommend him. His staff is also so caring and professional!"
    Dominique Gerardo
  • "I was searching for a chiropractor because I was not getting results. I have to say I am very pleased I tried Back to Welness. They take the time to explain everything clearly. The Dr goes over everything, explains in detail what’s going to happen and the results you can expect. He doesn’t pull any punches. All I have to say is WOW! After multiple adjustments the first day, the results where BETTER than ANY Chiro I have ever seen. I am a tiny bit soar the next day but aching bulging disk pain is GONE. After ten years of that pain it’s a god send!"
    Darin Morgan
  • "Caring staff and by far the best chiropractor I have ever been to. Dr. Bank is always able to help me find relief and feel better. I drive 45 minutes to see him because he is so good."
    Country Cupicake
  • "I feel so blessed to live right up the street from this place. The staff are wonderful and Dr. Banks is amazing. They can be very busy but will make you feel like you’re the only patient in the whole building !!"
    Candy Arellano