What Is A Herniated Disc?

Dr. Ron Daulton, Jr.

When a spinal disc becomes damaged, the outer wall (the Annulus Fibrosus) becomes weak and will start to bulge. However, depending on the severity of the injury or how long the problem has been present, the wall can actually tear and when this happens, we call that a Herniated Disc.

You may also hear this condition referred to as a Disc Prolapse or a Prolapsed Disc.

In the image below, you can see how the wall of the disc is tearing. Because of the tear in the wall, the fluid within the center of the disc (called the Nucleus Pulposus) will start to push into the weakened area. However, notice that the wall doesn’t tear completely through.

Photo Courtesy of 3D Virtual Consultation For Doctors

What Happens If The Wall Tears Completely?

If the condition worsens to a point where the wall tears completely through, we then refer to this problem as a ruptured disc.

In a moment, we’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, treatments, etc. for this condition, but if you’d like to first read about the final stage of this condition (a ruptured disc), you can click here now or click the Next button below.

I’ve also made a Table of Contents for this article below, just in case you’d like to skip to other information about this condition that interests you.

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Previous	Table of Contents	Next
	What Is The Difference Between A Bulging, Herniated, Ruptured, and Degenerated Disc? Bulging Disc (Protruding Disc, Slipped Disc) Herniated Disc (Disc Prolapse, Prolapsed Disc) Ruptured Disc (Sequestered Disc) Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) What is the Major Cause of Pain for Spinal Disc Conditions? Discogenic Pain Neurogenic (Neuropathic) Pain Symptoms of Spinal Disc Conditions Cervical (Neck) Disc Symptoms Thoracic (Upper Back) Disc Symptoms Lumbar (Low Back) Disc Symptoms Causes of Spinal Disc Conditions Spinal Disc Treatments: What Are Your Best Options And How Effective Are They? The Most Commonly Prescribed Medications For Spinal Disc Pain NSAID’s (Non–Steroidal Anti–Inflammatory Drugs) NSAID’s Side Effects NSAID’s Drug Interactions Analgesics (Pain Relievers) Analgesics Side Effects Analgesics Drug Interactions Muscle Relaxers Muscle Relaxer Side Effects Muscle Relaxer Drug Interactions Corticosteroids & Anesthetics (Cortisone Injections, Epidurals And Oral Steroids) Corticosteroids And Anesthetics Side Effects Corticosteroids And Anesthetics Drug Interactions Selective Serotonin & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SSNRI) Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Side Effects Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Drug Interactions Anticonvulsants (for Neuropathic Pain) Anticonvulsants Side Effects Anticonvulsants Drug Interactions Natural Alternatives To Medications For Spinal Disc Conditions: How To Reduce Inflammation Without Drugs Exercises For Spinal Disc Conditions (A Discussion About Physical Therapy) Surgery For Spinal Disc Conditions The Ultimate Solution For Spinal Disc Conditions – 90.2% Of People Who Do This Experience Relief In 2 Weeks Or Less