Overview: A herniated disc is often referred to as a "slipped" or ruptured disc. But what exactly does this mean?
In between the vertebrae of our spine is a gellatinous disc. These discs have two purposes. They act as a soft cushion for the bones of our spine and also absorb the shock we experience throughout the day.
Each disc is made of a soft inner material called the nucleus pulposus and a firm fibrous outer protion called the annulus fibrosis. With time, the outer annulus becomes weak due to age and loss of water. As this process continues to occur the inner nucleus pulposus can eventually rupture out through the annulus. This is what a herniated disc is.
Problems result when the ruptured disc compresses on nerve roots as they exit the spinal column. This can cause the sensation of pain, numbess, and weakness along the affected nerve's path.
