Spine in your back are cushioned by small, spongy
discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine
and keep the spine flexible. But when a disc is damaged, it may bulge or break
open. This is called a herniated disc. It may also be called a slipped or
ruptured disc.
You can have a herniated
disc in any part of your spine. But most herniated discs affect the lower back
(lumbar spine). Some happen in the neck (cervical spine) and, more rarely, in
the upper back (thoracic spine). This topic focuses mainly on the lower
back.
What causes a herniated disc?
A herniated disc may be caused by:
Wear and tear of the disc. As you age, your
discs dry out and aren't as flexible.
Injury to the spine. This may
cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this
happens, the gel inside the disc can be forced out through the tears or cracks
in the outer layer of the disc. This causes the disc to bulge, break open, or
break into pieces.
What are the symptoms?
When a herniated disc presses on Nerve roots, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness
in the area of the body where the nerve travels. A herniated disc in the lower
back can cause pain and numbness in the buttock and down the leg.
