Herniated Disk

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herniateddisk.html

Also called: Bulging disk, Compressed disk, Herniated intervertebral disk, Herniated nucleus
pulposus, Prolapsed disk, Ruptured disk, Slipped disk 
 
 
Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. In between them are soft disks
filled with a jelly-like substance. These disks cushion the vertebrae and keep them in place. A
herniated disk is a disk that slips out of place or ruptures. If it presses on a nerve, it can cause back
pain or sciatica.

Symptoms include

 Back pain that spreads to the buttocks and legs, when the herniated disk is in your lower back
 Neck pain that spreads to the shoulders and upper arms, when the herniated disk is in your
upper back
 Tingling or numbness
 Muscle spasms or weakness

With treatment, most people recover. It can take a long time. Treatments include rest, pain and anti-
inflammatory medicines, physical therapy and sometimes surgery. Losing weight can help, too.