Patient Education
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc, also called a bulging disc, ruptured disc or slipped disc, occurs when the inner core of the spinal disc pushes out through the outer layer of the disc.
What Is A Herniated Disc?
Herniated Disc
Herniation describes an abnormality of the intervertebral disc that is also known as a "slipped," "ruptured" or "bulging" disc. This process occurs when the inner core (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc bulges out through the outer layer of ligaments that surround the disc (annulus fibrosis). This tear in the annulus fibrosis causes pain in the back at the point of herniation. If the protruding disc presses on a spinal nerve, the pain may spread to the area of the body that is served by that nerve.
Four Degrees of Disc Herniation:
Nuclear Herniation, Disc Protrusion, Nuclear Extrusion, and Sequestered Nucleus
What Are The Symptoms Of A Herniated Disc?
Usually, the main symptom is sharp, acute pain. In some cases, there may be a previous history of localized low back pain, with pain also extending down the leg served by the affected nerve. This pain is usually described as a deep, sharp pain, which gets worse as it moves down the affected leg. The onset of pain with a herniated disc may occur suddenly or it may be preceded by a tearing or snapping sensation in the spine, which may be attributed to a sudden rupture in the annulus fibrosis.
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