Our spinal disk (Inter Vertebral Disc) is like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior. A herniated disk (also referred as slipped disc) occurs when some of the softer “jelly” pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior.
A herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.
Disc herniation is usually due to age related degeneration, although trauma, lifting injuries and straining may also contribute to the problem.