Herniated Disk
What is a herniated disc?
When you experience back pain that shoots down your leg or neck pain that shoots down your arm, everyday activities can become difficult or even intolerable. One cause of neck or back pain is a herniated disc, sometimes called a 'slipped disc' or a 'ruptured disc'.
Your spine is made up of block of bones (vertebrae) cushioned by alternating small rubbery oval pads of cartilage or discs. These discs consist of a tough outer layer (annulus) and a soft inner layer (nucleus), like a jelly donut.
When a herniated disc occurs, a small portion of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus into the spinal canal. This can irritate a nerve and result in pain, numbness or weakness in your back as well as your leg or arm.
A herniated disc generally gets better with conservative treatment. Surgery for a herniated disc usually isn't necessary.