Slipped Disc /Sciatica: Myths & Facts

Human spinal cord is a very sensitive structure which comprise of millions of nerves/neural cells. This acts as a relay point between various organs and brain. All the information from joints, bones, nerves, ligaments and abdominal organs travel through spinal cord to the brain. It is protected by bones known vertebrae. There are 33 vertebrae in our spine and spinal cord runs in the centre of it. In between bones, there is a jelly-like highly complex magnificent structure called as “intervertebral disc” or simply called as “disc”. This acts as a shock absorber and provides cushion, flexibility to vertebrae.

When slipped disc happen due to various reasons (repetitive injury to the back, sudden jerk, weight lifting, old age, wear & tear, and even genetic cause), the supporting disc between vertebrae slip backwords and can compress either the spinal cord or the nerves that come out of a small opening on each side. This compression can be of varying intensity depending on severity of slipped disc. It typically happens in the lower lumbar spine and compresses the lower lumbar nerves which combine together to form a big nerve known as “sciatic nerve”. Hence, the terminology “sciatica”