Herniated vs. Ruptured Disc: Understanding Spinal Injuries

A herniated disc is the same thing as a ruptured disc. The condition is also sometimes referred to as a slipped disc, although that term isn't quite accurate because nothing has actually slipped.

Discs

• The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae stacked on top of each other. In between each bone, there is a shock-absorbing disc that has a gelatin-like matter at its core.

Rupture

• When some of the gelatin-like matter starts to leak out of the core, the disc is herniated or ruptured.

First Classification

• The first of three classifications for herniated discs is protrusion. This occurs when the gelatin-like matter has broken out of the core but hasn't broken out of the disc.

Second Classification

• The second classification, when the posterior longitudinal ligament has been breached and the gelatin-like matter has broken out of the disc, is called extrusion.

Third Classification

• The final classification is sequestration. This is when a fragment from the disc has broken free. Sequestration requires medical attention immediately.