What is a Slipped Disc?

Slipped discs are such a common injury it’s unsurprising we see a lot of them at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage. Usually the accumulative result of wear and tear, slipped discs are one of the leading causes of missed work and back pain. However, we offer safe treatments and tips for prevention.


With the exception of the atlas and axis vertebrae at the top of the spinal column, each of the vertebrae are separated by a spongy disc. These discs are made up of fibrous rings with a gelatinous center. They function as shock absorbers that are flexible enough to allow the spine to bend. A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or ruptured disc, is one that has become misshapen, and the gelatinous center may be pushing the fibrous ring out of place or have broken through it. This will make the disc far less effective at absorbing shocks and may result in pain and inflammation, particularly if the protrusion compresses a nerve.


Slipped discs don’t always cause pain, but when they occur in the lower back, they can cause numbness or tingling in the legs. When they occur in the neck, they can cause numbness in the arms. It is natural for discs to lose water content over the course of one’s life, resulting in them rupturing more often when a patient is over sixty. But it is possible to protect them by keeping the back muscles strong and practicing safe lifting techniques. If they are under pressure, we can correct them with spinal adjustments and electric muscle stimulation.


Dr. Loren Morgan is located at Morgan Chiropractic at 11260 Old Seward Hwy Suite 106, Anchorage, Alaska, 99515. To schedule an appointment, visit Morgan Chiropractic or call 907-646-2211.

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