Herniated Disc In Neck And Back

A disc herniation occurs when the outer walls of the intervertebral disc (annulus fibrosis) tear. Other terms for this are “ruptured disc,” “prolapsed disc,” or “slipped disc.” When outer annular rings tear, the central gel like nucleus pulposus can push out pressing on the structures in the area. The herniation usually occurs at the posterior lateral wall where the annulus fibrosis is thinnest. Unfortunately this is where the nerves of the spine exit and track distally to the body.