Lumbar Herniated Disc

Sometimes known as a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc, a herniated disc may exert pressure on the nerves resulting in lower back pain. The resulting pain frequently travels down the legs.

Signs and symptoms
(may include one or more):

Why it hurts:

Discs are soft, gelatin-like pads located between the hard bones or vertebrae that make
up the spinal column, which encases the spinal cord and nerves. Discs function as
shock absorbers when you flex, rotate, or bend your back. Each disc contains a gel-like
substance called the nucleus. When a disc herniates or ruptures, part of the center
nucleus may push the outer edge of the disc into the spinal canal, sometimes exerting
pressure on the nerves. Ruptures can occur as a result of injury, normal wear and tear
associated with aging, lifting objects the wrong way, or excessive weight.