Herniated or Slipped Disc: What's the Difference and How to Treat Each One

Here at Lower Cape Chiropractic in Orleans, MA, we see a lot of patients with back pain. When it comes to diagnosing the source of back pain, two of the most common terms you're likely to hear are "herniated disc" and "slipped disc." But what exactly do those terms mean? And how are they different from one another? Read on to find out.

Herniated Disc vs. Slipped Disc: What's the Difference?

The easiest way to understand the difference between a herniated disc and a slipped disc is to think of your spine as a stack of blocks. Each block is called a vertebra, and in between each vertebra is a rubbery cushion called a disc. The discs act as shock absorbers for your spine, absorbing the impact of any sudden movements or jolts.

Now imagine that one of those blocks in the middle of the stack suddenly slips out of place. That's what we call a "slipped disc." However, for a disc to slip out of place, it first has to rupture or tear. Once it tears, the innermost layer of the disc can bulge out through the tear. When that happens, we call it a herniated disc or ruptured disk.

Symptoms of Herniated and Slipped Discs

The symptoms of herniated and slipped discs are often very similar, which can make diagnosis difficult. In general, you can expect to feel back, neck, or leg pain (depending on which part of your spine is affected), as well as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs—especially if the ruptured disc is pressing on a nerve root. In some cases, you might also experience muscle spasms or cramping.

Diagnosing Herniated and Slipped Discs

If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms and suspect you might have a herniated or slipped disc, the best course of action is to visit your chiropractor for an examination. The chiropractor will likely order an MRI or CT scan to get a better look at what's going on inside your spine and confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Herniated and Slipped Discs 

Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options available for both herniated and slipped discs. For starters, your chiropractor will likely recommend a course of conservative (non-surgical) treatments, such as chiropractic care adjustments, physical therapy exercises, massage therapy, ice/heat therapy, and electrical stimulation.

Make a Chiropractic Care Appointment with Us Today

If you think you might be dealing with a herniated or slipped disc, don't hesitate to reach out to Lower Cape Chiropractic in Orleans, MA, for help. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that's tailored specifically for your needs. We'll do everything we can to help you get rid of any neck, back, or leg pain. Call us today at (508) 255-5866.