Spinal discs play a crucial role in the lower back, serving as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, supporting the upper body, and allowing a wide range of movement in all directions.

If a disc herniates and leaks some of its inner material, though, the disc can quickly go from easing daily life to aggravating a nerve, triggering back pain and possibly pain and nerve symptoms down the leg.

Many terms may be used to describe issues with a spinal disc and disc pain, and all may be used differently and, at times, interchangeably.

Some commonly used terms include:

• Herniated disc
• Pinched nerve
• Ruptured/torn disc
• Bulging disc
• Disc protrusion
• Slipped disc

A herniated disc and degenerative disc disease typically occur in :

• Cervical spine (neck)
• Lumbar spine (lower back)- Most common and often combined with Sciatica.
• Thoracic spine (mid-back)- Very rare