A disc is simply described in lay terms as a cartilaginous jelly core surrounded by multiple layers of ligaments that form a cushion between various vertebrae in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

As we live through life, we bent, twist and lift and get injured or fall which results in the layers of ligaments slowly getting ruptured until a time comes that there is through and through tearing of the ligaments and the discs start losing fluid.  This is simply referred to as degenerative disc as it looks darker on the MRI. A degenerative disc is a relatively common finding in most middle aged people and a significant percentage of these people may not have any pain at all from this/these disc/ discs. What I am trying to communicate is that if someone has a degenerative disc, one may not necessarily have any pain while there would be people who will have significant pain from the above state.

In some cases the whole ligaments on one side of the disc may give out and a significant prolapse of the cartilaginous core of the disc happens into the spinal canal or elsewhere, and is referred to as a herniated disc.

(the second from the lowest disc is seen herniating into the spinal canal and can cause low back pain and sciatica)

This can cause significant back or neck pain with radiating pain into the arm/s or leg/s based on the location of the herniation in the spine.  This can be treated with medications, injections or surgery based on the specific scenario.  Most patients tend to recover conservatively with anti inflammatory medications, physical therapy, activity modifications, and spinal epidural injections but a percentage of patients continue to have persistent disabling pain, which may need surgery to help their condition. The most important thing for patients with herniated disc/s is activity modification per Dr. Rehman’s experience so that re injury can be prevented. For further guidance regarding activity modification or better posture, please see the link provided on the website.