Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a condition in which the tough outer wall of an intervertebral disc has been weakened, allowing the softer insides to deform the shape of the disc. In some cases, a herniated disc will press against the spinal nerves, causing pain. If you experience debilitating back pain, or back and leg pain, due to a herniated disc, please schedule a consultation with North American Spine and discover how AccuraScope™ D.N.D. surgery can help you put chronic pain behind you.

Anatomy of a Herniated Disc

An intervertebral disc has two main parts: an outer shell of fibrous cartilage (the annulus fibrosis) and an inner filling of a jelly-like material (the nucleus pulposus). The outer wall of an intervertebral disc can become weakened for a variety of reasons. As people age, the fibrous material becomes more brittle. Excessive strain can rupture the annulus fibrosis. Poor diet and exercise habits can also weaken the disc.

Regardless of the cause, once the tough shell of the disc is weakened or cracked, the soft gel of the nucleus pulposus can deform the disc. Once deformation occurs, the disc may irritate or pinch one or more spinal nerves, causing pain.

Although any one of the intervertebral discs can become damaged, herniated discs are more common in the lumbar region of the spine. If you suffer from chronic low back pain caused by a herniated disc, the minimally invasive AccuraScope™ D.N.D. surgery pioneered by North American Spine may be able to relieve your pain. Please contact us at 877.474.BACK for a consultation.