Topic Overview
A ruptured disc occurs when the
jellylike material (nucleus) inside the
disc breaks through the outer shell (capsule or annulus) of the
spinal disc.
- Since the nucleus is no longer stretching the
fibers that form the capsule, there may be a significant reduction in back
pain.
- Fragments of a ruptured disc may break off and become lodged
in the spinal canal.
- Symptoms of
may result:
- If the ruptured nucleus compresses a
.
- When disc fragments compress
and irritate nerve roots.