A common belief surrounding back pain is that discs “slip” out of place. Let’s start with this concept is an impossibility. If discs actually moved out of place the spine would be truly unstable…which it is not. The design of the spine is vertebra disc vertebra and so on down the line. These discs provide space between the vertebra for nerves to exit. They also help with bending and twisting movements, so a person is not as rigid. Also, strong ligaments help to brace the disc between the vertebra as part of the stability structure. Thus, the notion that discs readily slip out of place just is not possible.
Why then are people told they have a “slipped disc”?
Simply put past education to patients by medical providers was inaccurate and psychologically harmful. Plus the internet does a great job of spreading “fake” conditions.
I can hear the screams…but what about a bulging or herniated disc?
Yes, those conditions do happen BUT are neither is a slipped disc. In those instances, some of the material of the disc gets squished or moves out of position to some degree. The good news is that even in people who have a confirmed image of a disc issue (which is >50% of individuals > 40 yrs) most do not have pain or dysfunction.
How is that possible?
Because pathology does not equate to pain or dysfunction. That plus what a person does not know tends not to hurt them. Just knowing some “pathology” some of which are just age-related changes can result in the perception of pain. And many of these changes happen months or years before any awareness of pain suggesting that pathology is not all it is said to be.
What is causing back pain if not for a slipped disc?
In truth, it is often quite difficult to know the TRUE cause for back pain because many “things” could be involved. In most cases back pain is considered non-specific because an exact cause is often unknown. The good news is that even though in most instances medical professional cannot pin an exact cause for back it, the majority of back pain will resolve with a little TLC within a matter of days or weeks. If it is not better in 3-4 weeks, it is advisable to seek professional guidance to help get you there.
If you or someone you know is tired and frustrated of living with back pain, a good place to start is filling out this Quick Form to request a FREE phone consultation to learn how to begin the journey to once again live without back pain.