CHAPTER 3
CERVICAL SLIPPED DISC
(ALSO CALLED HERIATED OR PROLAPSED DISC)
What is it?
The spine consists of a series of vertebrae that are stacked on top of one
another from the neck to the pelvis. These vertebrae are connected and kept
in the correct position by the discs that are between the vertebrae and also the
facet joints that are located on the side of the vertebral bodies which interlock
with one another.
There are also supporting ligaments and tendons. The discs between the two
adjacent vertebrae are composed of a central, soft, jelly-like substance called
the nucleus pulposus and an outer, tougher fibrous part called the annulus
fibrosus.
In some cases the tough annulus fibrosus may tear, leaving a defect in the
strong outer layer. A bit of the nucleus pulposus can then push through this
tear and end up in the spinal canal and press against the nerves in the spinal
canal. This can be caused by a traumatic injury, but is usually due to an inborn
predisposition towards weak discs. When a part of the nucleus pulposus push-
es through (herniates) the annulus fibrosus it is called a slipped (herniated)
disc.
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