A Spinal Disc Herniation is when the inside jelly of the disk seeps through to the fibrous wall and puts chemical or mechanical pressure on the nerve. Intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebrae in the spine. The outside disc is made from cartilage and fiber, while in the center of the disk its jelly-like solution. These discs serve many purposes, including allowing movement of the spine, creating space between the vertebrae, and acting as shock absorbers. The gelatinous middle allows the disc to compress and expand based on impact and movement. A healthy spine provides a full range of motion and activities of the body. Many people have no symptoms of a herniated disk; however, depending on where the herniated disk is, it can result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm, leg, or back.

What causes a Herniated Disc Back Pain?

Trauma to the spine can cause the discs to herniate or even rupture. That can include auto accidents, sports injuries, a fall, or water dive in the wrong way.

Most people can’t identify the cause of their herniated disk. But most people remember an incident in which they were left in a debilitating back or neck pain. Sometimes, using your back muscles instead of your leg and thigh muscles to lift heavy objects or twisting and turning while lifting can both cause a disc herniation. 

Another cause can be related to age. As we get older, the discs can deteriorate and dehydrate, leading their wall to weaken and herniate easier. 

Where do you get the Herniated Disk? 

The two main areas for disk herniation are lumbar and cervical spine regions. Lumbar disc herniation occurs 15 times more than cervical disc herniation and is a significant cause of lower back pain. We have a detailed description of cervical and lumbar disk herniation on our website.