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The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine (backbone) are cushioned by small, round, flat discs. When these discs are damaged from an injury, normal wear and tear, or disease, they may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated or slipped disc.
If the herniated disc irritates or presses on a nerve root (pinched nerve), it may cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the area of the body to which the nerve travels.
Current as of: November 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise StaffMedical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicineKathleen Romito MD - Family MedicineKenneth J. Koval MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic TraumaRobert B. Keller MD - OrthopedicsSteven J. Atlas MD, MPH - Internal Medicine
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Kenneth J. Koval MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma & Robert B. Keller MD - Orthopedics & Steven J. Atlas MD, MPH - Internal Medicine
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