Spinal Retractors

As a disc degenerates and breaks down, the inner core may swell and leak out through the outer portion of the disc. This condition is known as a herniated disc. The material that leaks out causes pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that radiate from it, leading to pain that may travel to other parts of the body, such as from the low back down the leg or from the neck down the arm. Leg pain from a pinched nerve is usually described as sciatica.
However, not all herniated discs press on nerves, and it is entirely possible to have deformed discs without any pain or discomfort. Herniated disks are most common in men and women in the age group of 30 – 50 years, although they also occur in active children and young adults. Older people, whose disks no longer have fluid cores, are less likely to experience a herniated disc problem. People who do regular, moderate exercise are much less likely to suffer from disc problems than sedentary adults.