Herniated Disc

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc (also called bulged or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus. A herniated disk is also known as a slipped, ruptured, or bulging disk. It’s one of the most common causes of neck, back, and leg pain

What causes a herniated disk?

Disks have soft, gel-like centers and a firmer outer layer, like a jelly doughnut. With time, the outer layer weakens and can crack. A herniated disk happens when the inner “jelly” substance pushes through the crack. The leaked material may press on nearby spinal nerves.

Several factors can contribute to a disk rupture, including:

  • Repetitive motions
  • Sudden strain from improper lifting or twisting
  • Aging