Do I have a slipped disc?

That is often the first question someone with neck or upper back pain asks the doctor. Although a slipped disc may be the first thing that comes to mind, it is not the most common cause of neck pain.

In fact, many people have a slipped disc and experience no pain.

But what exactly is a slipped disc?

Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They have a fibrous outer layer that surrounds a softer cartilage in the center. When that disc is no longer confined to the space between the vertebrae, it can be described as a slipped disc. 

More precise terms to use instead of slipped disc are bulging disc or herniated disc. A bulging disc does not involve a rupture or tear in the disc. The bulging disc may resemble a hamburger patty that is too big for its bun. The disc is no longer staying neatly between the vertebrae, but there is no crack or tear in the outer layer of the disc. When that occurs the disc is said to be ruptured or herniated. This tearing allows some of the softer inner material of the disc to escape.

There are many documented cases of people who are not suffering from pain or discomfort, but upon  examination are found to have a bulging or even herniated disc. Tests, such as MRIs or CT scans, are necessary to diagnose these conditions.

On the other hand, muscle pain is a very common cause of neck and upper back pain. It may or may not be associated with a trauma or accident. I see this all the time in my practice with clients seeking pain relief. Chronic tension in resting muscles can cause a host of problems, from pain to stiffness to lack of range of motion. I assess muscles for excessive tension by performing a posture analysis and physically palpating the tissue, using PUSH Therapy protocols. I do not diagnose, but I can describe what I see and feel.

I am often frustrated by what I believe is faulty logic. Many people have slipped discs and yet have no symptoms (no pain, numbness or weakness). However, if someone is exhibiting those symptoms and a test reveals a bulging or herniated disc, it is assumed that is the cause of the problem. But in either case, whether or not there is a problem with a disc, there is sure to be muscle tension. However, if a test reveals some sort of structural abnormality, the muscle tension is immediately relegated to a secondary status.  Sometimes your core strength is weakened – pay attention to any muscle weakness on your body for optimum health.

If you have neck pain, there may be more than one contributing factor. But the most common cause is not likely to be a slipped disc.

What is fairly universal in people complaining of neck pain, however, is chronic muscle tension. A better place to start in treating neck pain is to change the health of the muscles. At Foster Muscle Therapy, we create long-lasting positive change in the tissue, first through direct treatment of the muscles, and second through education and awareness to create and sustain better body mechanics.

Pain relief through muscle therapy can avoid costly, invasive surgeries.  These surgeries are designed to fix a problem (slipped disc) that may not really be the source of the pain.   

Have you ever been told you have a slipped disc? Do you know anyone who has? Are you trying to avoid surgery or have you had surgery and still have pain? Call Maria Foster at (970) 590-2856 today to discuss your options. Whether or not you have a slipped disc, pain relief might just be a phone call away.

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