(In case you’re wondering what slipped disc is…)

A slipped disc is the end stage of the degeneration of the spine. When the disc is subjected to repeated compressions, bending and rotations, the ‘shell’ of the disc (annulus) starts to tear. This is the first stage of degeneration.

If no effort is made to prevent further damage, the ‘jelly’ inside the disc will slowly start to push its way out. This is when patients will experience the first onset of serious back pain. Once there is a tear, the water inside the nucleus pulposus will leak – just like a punctured car tyre – causing the disc to lose its buoyancy and strength.

A slipped disc (also known as a herniated disc or ruptured disc) is when the annular tear in the disc, subjected to continuous repeated pressure, eventually ruptures. When this happens the nucleus pulposus extrudes out through the tear, which is similar to a tube of toothpaste being squeezed.

see that red thing there? Namamaga, di ba? That’s the cause of the discomfort on a person’s lumbar part when they have slipped disc. If the condition’s already worse, further surgery is required.

Slipped disc is very common among nurses, it’s primarily due to wrong posture. Our NCM 111 RLE CI taught us proper posture when doing a procedure to avoid this. Since I’m still in level 1, it’s hard to keep track on those precautions, especially when I’m already in a hurry.

I started to feel the discomfort 2 months ago, when I had my period. This is actually normal because like what I said, I was on my period. Then I started to feel the same sensation when we were practicing for our RD on bed making. Before, the pain only occurs for a while then fades away; but lately, parang everyday ko na nafifeel, during classes and when I’m at home doing my home work or chores and even if i’m not doing ANYTHING. Di pa nga ako nakakaduty sa ospital tapos may nafifeel na akong ganito, kaloka! People say that I’m only over reacting. WELL, I HOPE I AM. “