A herniated disc (also referred to as a protruding or extruded disc) is a condition where a portion of the gel-like center of the disc has migrated through the layers of the annulus fibrosis. This can cause mechan ical pressure on neighboring structures and trigger chemical reactions resulting in pain and inflamma tion. These changes will often irritate the nerves, producing numbness or tingling in the arms or hands. Degenerative disc disease is a state of dehydration and deterioration marked by the gradual erosion of the discs' ability to distribute and resist mechanical loads. As discs deteroriate, they become more susceptible to injury from physical stress. Degenera tive disc disease may also play a contributing role in conditions such as disc bulges, disc herniations, and stenosis. FACET Syndrome: Facets are the posterior joints of the spine that aid in keeping the vertebrae aligned. Facet syndrome is often associated with injury or degeneration of the disc and is characterized by pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The pain generally increases with motion and is relieved by rest.
Sciatica is a condition often associated with a herniated disc by an overgrowth of bone (bone spur).
When the injured disc compresses one of the spinal
nerves forming the sciatic nerve, it can produce a
shock-like pain that travels through the buttocks
and down one leg to below the knee. Tingling and
numbness are common in this condition. Sciatica
can occur suddenly, or develop gradually. The pain
and symptoms of sciatica can be intensified by
coughing, sneezing, or sitting in the same position
for prolonged periods of time.