What are the Spinal Discs?
There is a spinal disc between each of the 24 bones (vertebra) in our spine. Our discs allow us to bend and twist and they act as a shock absorbers in the spine.
The outer part (Annulus Fibrosus) of every disc is composed of collagen fibres and protects the inner part which is called Nucleus Pulposus.
The core of every disc is composed of a jelly -like material that consists of mainly water, as well as a loose network of collagen fibers.This inner structure allows the vertebral disc to withstand forces of compression and torsion.
What is a slipped disc?
A slipped disc can not really slip, is a given name to prolapsed intervertebral discs that put pressure on nerve roots or even the spinal cord causing neuropathic pain.When a disc slips is when this soft cushion of tissue pushes out.
Slipped discs most commonly occur in the lowest part of Lumbar spine (lower back) between the fourth and fifth vertebra (L4-L5) and in the lowest part of cervical spine (neck) between the sixth and seventh vertebra (C6-C7).
A disc prolapse can occur in any part of your spine, from your neck to the lower back.
The neck and the lower back are the most common areas having slipped discs.