Discs

• Discs are structures between the vertebrae that act as cushions and shock absorbers for the spine. They have a hard cartilage outer layer and a jelly-like inside.
  
  

Herniated Disc

• A herniated disc occurs when the cartilage cracks and the "jelly" seeps out. The jelly can crowd the nerves and cause pain. The causes of a herniated disc include twisting, wear and tear over time and injury.
  
  

Symptoms

• If the disc is pressing on a nerve, symptoms include numbness, pain and weakness in the area the nerve travels to. If nerves are not a factor, the person may have a backache or no pain at all.
  
  

Bulging Disc

• With a bulging disc, the cartilage is intact but the disc is pressing out of the space it normally occupies. Nerves may or may not be involved.
  
  

Symptoms

• If the disc is pressing on a nerve you may experience numbness, pain and tingling to the back, legs or arms. If there is no nerve involvement, you may have a backache or no pain.