What Is a Slip Disc? Types, Causes, and When Surgery Becomes Necessary
What Is a Slip Disc? Types, Causes, and When Surgery Becomes Necessary Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in India, affecting an estimated 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Among the many causes, a slip disc — medically known as a herniated or prolapsed intervertebral disc — is one of the most frequently diagnosed. Understanding what is a slip disc and its different forms can help patients seek the right treatment at the right time. What Is a Slip Disc? The spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by soft, rubbery discs. Each disc has a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like centre (nucleus pulposus). A slip disc occurs when the inner nucleus pushes through a tear or weakness in the outer ring, pressing on nearby nerves or the spinal cord itself. This pressure on nerve roots causes the characteristic symptoms of a slip disc: sharp or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness — often radiating down the ...