Slipped Disc

A slipped disc, more accurately known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like centre of a spinal disc (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through its tougher outer ring (the annulus fibrosus). This may press on nearby spinal nerves, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the area served by the compressed nerve.

What Causes a Slipped Disc?

First things first: the term “slipped disc” is misleading. Your spinal discs don’t actually “slip” out of place—they are securely attached between each vertebra and form an integral part of your spine’s shock-absorbing system.

Each disc is made up of:

A gel-like centre (nucleus pulposus): 80% water, collagen, and proteoglycans—designed to absorb shock and distribute pressure.
A fibrous outer ring (annulus fibrosus): Tough, layered collagen fibres that hold the nucleus in place and attach firmly to the vertebrae above and below.

A disc herniates when the nucleus pushes into or through the annulus, often due to weakening or stress. Discs lose hydration and flexibility as we age, making them more prone to damage, especially under repetitive strain or poor mechanics.

Risk Factors & Common Causes:

Heavy Lifting: Poor technique or sudden overloads can strain the spine and cause disc herniation.
Degenerative Disc Changes: Age-related dehydration and stiffening increase the risk of disc bulge or rupture.
Trauma or Injury: Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries can damage spinal discs.
Excess Weight: Increases pressure on lumbar discs, accelerating wear and tear.
Poor Posture or Prolonged Sitting: Increases disc pressure and alters spinal mechanics.
Muscle Weakness or Imbalance: A weak core or asymmetrical loading increases the risk during movement.
Genetics: Family history may predispose individuals to disc degeneration.

Disc herniations are most common between the ages of 40 to 60 when the nucleus is still gelatinous, but the annulus may weaken. The most affected levels are L4/5 and L5/S1; the condition is three times more common in men than women (source: OrthoBullets).

Symptoms & Chiropractic Treatment for Disc Herniation

Symptoms depend on the disc’s location and the severity of nerve involvement:

Lumbar Herniation: It may cause lower back pain, sciatica (leg pain), numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet.
Cervical Herniation: It can result in neck pain, arm pain or weakness, and tingling in the fingers.

In severe cases, nerve root compression may significantly limit mobility and function. However, not all disc herniations are painful—some are found incidentally on imaging without symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

At Carbon Chiro—Chiropractor Perth, we offer noninvasive care tailored to the stage and severity of your disc injury. Chiropractic treatment aims to reduce nerve pressure, improve movement, and support long-term recovery.

Our approach may include:

Spinal Adjustments: Improve segmental motion and relieve tension.
Decompression Therapy: Specific traction techniques to ‘gap’ the vertebrae and reduce disc pressure.
Soft Tissue Therapy: To ease muscle tension and reduce compensatory strain.
Corrective Exercises: To strengthen the core, improve spinal strength, and prevent recurrence.
Postural Coaching: To optimise spinal mechanics at work, home, and during exercise.

In more persistent or severe cases, co-management by your GP or specialist may include analgesics, spinal injections, or surgery, particularly where nerve compression is unrelenting or progressive.

If you’re struggling with herniated or slipped disc symptoms, contact Carbon Chiro for a thorough assessment and personalised care plan. Early intervention can make all the difference in restoring movement and getting you back to doing what you love.

FAQs

Does a disc herniation always cause pain?

No, actually, pain is quite subjective. Some patients with significant herniation have no pain, whilst others experience pain with relatively little nerve compression.

What is the difference between a slipped disc and a bulging disc?

They are often used interchangeably. Technically, a bulging disc means the outer fibres are still intact but protruding, while a herniated (slipped) disc means the inner nucleus has pushed through. Both can irritate nerves and cause pain.

Can a disc herniation heal on its own?

Yes. Many mild to moderate herniations improve with conservative care. Your body can reabsorb the disc material over time, especially with the proper support—mobility, posture, and guided exercise.

How can chiropractic care help with a slipped disc?

We use gentle adjustments, decompression, and exercise-based rehab to relieve nerve pressure and restore healthy spinal movement—without medication or surgery.

When should I see a chiropractor for a slipped disc?

If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, shooting leg or arm pain, numbness, or weakness, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and management can help avoid chronic symptoms or nerve damage.

What activities should I avoid with a slipped disc?

Avoid heavy lifting, excessive bending, high-impact activities, and prolonged sitting to prevent worsening symptoms.

Can it cause permanent nerve damage?

If left untreated, a severely compressed nerve can lead to chronic pain, muscle weakness, or loss of sensation.

Can weight loss help with a slipped disc?

Yes. Reducing body weight can relieve significant pressure on the lower back and spinal discs, improving symptoms and preventing future damage.

Worried About Pain?

It’s time to stop. Book an appointment today with Dr. Kirill and get your mobility back.

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