Could I Have a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc may be referred to by many names, such as a slipped disc, or a ruptured or bulging disc. The vertebrae that form the spine are cushioned by round, flat disc. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally or break open. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary–this is called a herniated disc.