Disc Herniation Facts & Information

The spine is comprised of individual bones called vertebrae, and in between each vertebra, is an intervertebral disc. These discs help to provide stability for the spine, and also act as shock absorbers. An intervertebral disc consists of two layers: an inner, jelly-like layer called the nucleus pulposus and an outer, fibrous layer called the annulus fibrosis. A herniated disc pain condition occurs when some of the inner layer of the intervertebral disc ruptures through a weakened point in the outer layer. A herniated disc can irritate nearby spinal nerves, which can result in back pain as well as numbness or weakness in the upper or lower extremities