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The disc is a small cartilage pad that is situated between the bones of the spine. The soft jelly like centre is contained by layers of fibrous tissues. Each disc serves as a shock absorber for the spine. Spinal discs have a poor blood supply, they depend upon the circulation of joint fluid to bring in nutrients and expel waste. If a spinal joint loses its normal motion, and this pumping action is impaired, the health of the disc degenerates. Similar to a jelly doughnut, a healthy disc is flexible. A nutrient lacking disc is hard and stiff, and can be damaged easily.

This is how many disc problems begin. It is here that the disc can develop small fissures or cracks that allow the soft jelly like centre to protrude outward. The content of the “jelly doughnut” that “leaks out” can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots nearby. If the disc pushes against these sensitive tissues it can cause pain, tingling and numbness down the leg. Trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to bulge, herniated or rupture as well. Sciatica is a set of symptoms including pain that may be caused by general compression and/or irritation of one of five nerve roots that give rise to the sciatic nerve, or by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve itself. The pain is felt in the lower back, buttock, and/or various parts of the leg and foot.

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