- WHAT IS A HERNIATED DISC? -

- WHAT IS A HERNIATED DISC? -

To understand the meaning of a herniated disc, it is first helpful to get a visual imagery of a spinal disc. The best analogy is that of a jelly doughnut with a firm outer covering and a jelly-like substance on the inside. The outer covering is actually cartilage that is designed to withstand the rigors of serving as the cushion between the vertebrae in our spine. The inner ‘jelly’ is a softer cartilage substance that provides the cushion effect. These discs are designed to act like shock absorbers or cushions between the vertebrae in our spine.

Unlike a bulging disc, which has merely flattened out, a herniated disc is one that has actually ‘cracked’. Some of the inner jelly-like cartilage actually leaks out through the crack in the outer layer cartilage. This is why they are commonly referred to as a ‘ruptured’ disc. The term ‘slipped disc’ is also frequently used to describe the herniation but, in reality, the disc has not ‘slipped’ out of place.

As you might guess, bulging discs are the more common of the two. While the bulging discs usually cause no pain, the herniated discs can be very painful and in need of treatment. They can lead to a debilitating condition if left untreated.

If you are experiencing moderate to severe back pain, be sure to schedule a visit with us at South Denver Spine and we will be happy to help you recover fast and with success. 

All appointments may be scheduled by calling Tel: (720) 851-2000 

info@southdenverspine.com

Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon. 

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Author

South Denver Spine & Robotics South Denver Spine & Robotics, P.C. offers comprehensive care for a wide range of diseases and injuries that affect the spine. Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Zak Ibrahim, MD, and the team provide personalized care at convenient locations in Centennial and Castle Rock, Colorado, and Garden City, Kansas. Dr. Ibrahim and the team listen to your concerns and guide you through your treatment options so you can make well-informed, confident decisions. Their overriding priority is to restore your health, a goal they achieve by embracing new technology and being leaders in the field of minimally invasive, endoscopic, and robotic surgery. Dr. Ibrahim was one of the first surgeons to use robotic guidance for spinal surgery, a path he continues to forge today, having performed more robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgeries than any other surgeon in the Denver Metropolitan area.