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What Is a Protruding Disc?

Lower back pain affects 4 out of 5 people during their lifetimes. If you are experiencing back or neck pain, the cause could be a protruding or herniated disk in your back.

  1. Intervertebral Disk

    • In your spine, your vertebrae are separated by soft, round pads called intervertebral disks. They cushion your spine and help give it some of its flexibility.

    Protruding Disk

    • A protruding disk occurs when some of the disk herniates and protrudes through a weak part of disk. The protruding portion of the disk can put pressure on nerves near your spine.

    Causes

    • A protruding disk can be caused by improper lifting techniques, or by sudden pressure being placed on your back. As you get older, your intervertebral disks lose moisture and flexibility, and are more likely to rupture.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a protruding disk can include neck pain, shoulder pain, pain in your lower back, buttocks, or leg and occasionally muscle weakness.

    Treatments

    • Treatments for a protruding disk include rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your spine can help. Injections of medication into your back near the disk, and surgery are other treatment options.

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