Ive been told I have a disc herniation, is that the same as a slipped or ruptured disc?
Really these are both sides of the same coin, like the difference between Kleenex and tissues. The disc is the cushion between the vertebral bodies that separates them, bears the weight, and yet allows some motion to occur. The disc has a structure like a jelly donut. Although the center is not actually jelly-like, the analogy is still appropriate. A slipped disc or herniated disc describes a condition where some of the jelly has squirted through the dough and is touching the nerve. Whether you think of the dough as tearing or rupturing or slipping, the distinction is just a choice of words. The term refers to some type of disc problem. Q: Do I need surgery if I have a herniated disc? A: Again, it depends. In this regard, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that most cases do get better with non-operative treatment within 6 weeks. These conditions are generally not life threatening, and there is time to get a second opinion. The bad news, however, is that there are some c
