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Anatomy guide: lower back disorders

Herniated disc | Spinal stenosis | Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis | Ankylosing spondylitis | Spondylolisthesis
Herniated disc

Discs are the cushions between the vertebrae, the bones of your spine. When part of the disc becomes weak, such as from excessive physical strain, the gel within the disc can bulge, protrude or extrude. This is commonly referred to as a herniated, ruptured or slipped disc. When this occurs, the nerves from the spinal cord may become compressed, causing back pain and shooting pain down the legs called sciatica.

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Herniated disc

Medically Reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks on September 16, 2011

Sources: Sources

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: Sources

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