You may have heard of people who suffer from slipped discs, but did you know that slipped discs are a myth? Because of the structure of your spinal column, it’s virtually impossible for your discs to slip out of their positions. Patients who believe they have slipped discs are more likely to be suffering from bulging or herniated discs. The rubbery cushions in your lower back — called spinal discs — are crucial to the operation of your back and the rest of your body. A disc becomes herniated when the soft nucleus of that disc tears through the annulus and leaks into the spinal cord. A bulging disc, on the other hand, doesn't tear outside the annulus to the point where leakage occurs. Many herniated or bulging discs heal on their own over time, but other treatment options like physical therapy, chiropractic, medication, or injections may be needed in some cases.
