Herniated Disc
Don’t I need surgery to fix a herniated disc?
A lot of people think that. In some cases, it’s true, but most people can reduce pain and restore function through the help of physical therapy. From PT, you can expect recommendations on how to stay active while also resting areas that aggravate your symptoms. And, you guessed it, exercise! Remember, your PT wants the best long term outcomes for you. They want you to be able to do things you enjoy while staying comfortable.
Is this the same thing as a bulging disc, ruptured disc, or slipped disc?
Yes and no! Let’s take a super quick anatomy break, then I’ll lay out the differences. Your spine is made of vertebrae. Between these vertebrae are the intervertebral discs. These discs have a tough, rubbery outside and a squishy, gelatinous inside.
Herniated disc: The rubbery outside gets a tear or hole and the gelatinous inside leaks out. Like when you cut a donut and the jelly filling spills out.
Bulging disc: The gelatinous inside kind of deteriorates and the weight of the spine collapses the disc and makes it bulge out. Much like letting air out of a tire.
Ruptured disc: This one is actually just another name for herniated disc!
Slipped disc: This is a more general term that people will use for either a bulging or herniated disc, though using it to mean herniated is more common. The funny part is the disc doesn’t actually slip anywhere, so I’m not sure how this name came about.
No matter which name you use, both of these conditions can be uncomfortable, if not downright painful. Talk with your primary care doctor, follow the advice of your PT, and always remember to take care of yourself.
If you’re aching for more on herniated discs, follow up with these:
https://www.choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-herniated-disk
