Between your vertebrae are strong discs made of connective tissue. The discs are made up of a strong outer and a more jelly-like inner part. These discs don’t actually slip, but they can become inflamed, herniated or prolapsed, and can cause devastating amounts of pain.
A slipped disc, disc herniation or disc prolapse is when the disc protrudes, usually to one side.
A prolapse means the central, softer, part of the disc has squeezed out. If the protrusion compresses a nerve, or the central nervous system, it can cause excruciating pain and symptoms down an arm or leg. If this pain radiates down the back of a leg it is known as sciatica.
Pains caused by a slipped disc can include:
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