Prolapsed disc (slipped disc)
goodtoknow says: A prolapsed disc, or slipped disc can happen at any time. The disc doesn't actually slip, but the soft, jelly like material inside can bulge through a fault in the outer disc. This then presses on nerves in your spinal chord causing pain in your back, and often your legs too. A prolapsed disc is normally in your lower back and particularly affects the over 30s. You may need treatment from a physiotherapist or osteopath to ease the pain, or painkillers. In severe cases surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged disc.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of prolapsed disc, or slipped disc from patient.co.uk, read on.
A prolapsed disc often causes severe lower back pain. The disc often presses on a nerve root which also causes pain and other symptoms in a leg. In most cases, the symptoms ease off gradually over several weeks. The usual advice is to do normal activities as much as possible. Painkillers may help. Physical treatments such as spinal manipulation may also help. Surgery may be an option if the symptoms persist.
Understanding the back
The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. These are roughly circular and between each vertebra is a 'disc'. The discs are made of strong 'rubber-like' tissue which allows the spine to be fairly flexible. A disc has a stronger fibrous outer part, and a softer jelly-like middle part called the nucleus pulposus.
The spinal cord, which contains the nerves that come from the brain, is protected by the spine. Nerves from the spinal cord come out from between the vertebrae to take and receive messages to various parts of the body.
Strong ligaments attach to the vertebrae. These give extra support and strength to the spine. Various muscles also surround, and are attached to, various parts of the spine. (The muscles and ligaments are not shown in the diagram below for clarity.)
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