What is a Herniated Disc?

In order to understand what a herniated disc is, you first have to understand what the disc itself is and how it works. The discs of the spine are like cushions – their main purpose is to absorb shock so the bones of the spine don’t hit each other whenever you move.

I often refer to the discs as jelly doughnuts, because they are each made of a firm outer covering (called the annulus), and a jelly center (called the nucleus). The annulus is actually composed of many layers of cartilage, and these layers are what make the disc strong.

Over time, and with injuries, these layers of cartilage can begin to tear, and eventually, if enough layers are torn, the jelly will start to shift and push through these layers. This often results in a bulge, because the jelly is starting to push out of the disc.

The problem with this situation is that the discs of the spine are right next to the nerves of the spine, so they tend to pinch these nerves when they bulge. Interestingly enough, the disc itself does not feel pain, but a herniated disc is a very painful condition, simply because there is pressure on the nerves.

A herniated disc occurs when the jelly starts to “herniate” through the annulus. There can be a minor herniation, or the situation can become so bad that the disc actually tears completely, and the jelly starts to leak out of the disc.

The treatment for a herniated disc is usually medications, physical therapy, pain injections (cortisone and epidurals), and surgery. Unfortunately, these treatments do not work for everyone, so it is important that you are aware of all your treatment options.

If you would like more information about what a herniated disc is, or would like to learn about all the treatment options available for a bulging / herniated disc, click here.

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