Slipped disc

The discs are protective shock-absorbing pads between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). The cushion-like discs between the vertebrae of the spine are also referred to as intervertebral discs. Although they do not actually "slip," a disc may bulge, split, or rupture. This can cause the disc cartilage and nearby tissue to fail (herniate), allowing the central gel portion of the disc to escape into the surrounding tissue. This protruding, jelly-like substance can place pressure on the spinal cord or on an adjacent nerve to cause symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness either around the damaged herniated disc or anywhere along the area supplied by that nerve.