Slipped Disc In Gerontology

A slipped disc occurs when the circle of connective tissue surrounding the disc breaks down. This allows the soft, gel-like part of the disc to swell and protrude out. A slipped disc is a cartilaginous disc between vertebrae in the spine that is displaced or partly protruding, pressing on nearby nerves and causing back pain or sciatica. A slipped disc – known as a prolapsed or herniated disc – occurs when one of the discs that sit between the bones of the spine (the vertebrae) is damaged and presses on the nerves.

The spinal column is made of up 26 bones (vertebrae) that are cushioned by disks and stacked on top of one another. The disks protect the bones by absorbing the shocks from daily activities. In between each vertebra there are protective circular pads of cartilage (connective tissue) called discs, which have a tough, fibrous case that contains a softer gel-like substance. The discs help maintain your back's flexibility and wide range of movement. The spinal cord is highly sensitive and passes through the middle of the vertebral column. It contains nerve cells and bundles of nerve fibres that connect all parts of

Injury or weakness can cause the inner portion of the disk to extend through the outer ring. This is known as a slipped or herniated disk. This causes pain and discomfort. If the slipped disk constricts one of the spinal nerves, people may also experience numbness and pain along the affected nerve. In severe instances, surgery may be needed in order to remove or repair the slipped disk.

1. Causes of a slipped disc:

It is not always clear what causes the connective tissue to break down. However, slipped discs are often the result of increasing age.

As you get older, your spinal discs start to lose their water content. This makes them less flexible and more likely to split.

Other factors that can put increased pressure and strain on your spine is:

• Bending