Do you know what the difference is between a slipped disc and a herniated disc or a bulging disc? There are many terms used to describe pathology with a spinal disc. In this video, I'm going to explain what these disc terms mean and more importantly, the key to understanding the cause of your pain.
Spinal discs, also called intervertebral discs sit between each of the two vertebrae in the spine. They provide flexibility to the spine and also act as shock absorbers. Over time, the intervertebral discs tend to age and degenerate, which may cause spine pain. There are various terms used to describe disc degeneration. Degenerative disc disease is the term used when pain is caused by the disc itself, and the degeneration is led to micro motion in the spinal segment that causes pain.
The most common symptom is spine pain. A herniated disc is diagnosed when the symptoms are caused by disc material that enters a tear in the annulus fibrosus, and may distort the perimeter of the disc. In some cases, disc material can leak outside of a disc through a full thickness tear of the annulus fibrosus. The spinal material causes inflammation, resulting in pain production from nearby spinal structures such as a nerve root. This may cause leg pain, also called sciatica.
A slipped disc is a colloquial term, not a medical term. Discs are firmly attached to the vertebral bone above and below, and they cannot slip out of place. Similar to a slipped disc, a bulging disc is a term that is not a clinical diagnosis, but rather refers to the fact that the disc is degenerating and losing some of its strength, which results in the outer annulus fibrosus pushing out around the entire perimeter of the disc, much like a tire that loses air pressure. The term a black disc may be used because a disc that has degenerated has lost most of its water content and shows up black on an MRI scan.
Regardless of the term used to describe your disc and other spinal structures. The important thing for you to know is if one the disc itself is causing your pain. Two if your pain is because a disc problem has irritated or impinged on an adjacent nerve, or three if the disc is not the source of your pain.
When you see your MRI report or when speaking with your health care professionals, various terms describing the anatomical findings may be used. However, the central thing you need to know is which anatomical problem is causing your pain. Your medical history, description of symptoms, and physical test findings help narrow down the source of your pain so that effective treatment can either be started or modified. If needed, the anatomical findings from an imaging test, such as an MRI, may also narrow down the diagnosis.
The only way to definitively prove what structure or structures in your spine are causing your pain is by employing a series of X-ray or ultrasound guided selective injection procedures. Remember that the vast majority of adults have signs of degeneration in their spine, yet few have pain. Remember to consult with your healthcare professional about your concerns, as this video is no substitute for solid doctor patient relationship."
Recommended for You
