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