Herniated Disc and Pinched Nerve

Picture of a normal disc compared to a herniated disc (cross section)

Illustration copyright 2004 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine (backbone) are cushioned by small, round, flat discs. When these discs are damaged from an injury, normal wear and tear, or disease, they may bulge abnormally or break open. This is called a herniated or slipped disc.

If the herniated disc presses on a nerve root (pinched nerve), it may cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the area of the body to which the nerve travels.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma

Current as ofMarch 21, 2017

Current as of: March 21, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma