The spine has three main sections:
A disc herniation is also called a slipped disc. This occurs when a tear forms in a region of the disc called the annulus fibrosus.
The annulus is a very tough circular ring-like structure that surrounds the soft core of a disc (called the nucleus pulposus). The nucleus pulposus is a jelly-like substance.
When the annulus fibrosus tears, it causes the nucleus pulposus to leak outside the disc. This is a disc herniation.
The leaking of disc material can pinch a nerve, because the nerves are right behind the disc.
This compression can cause back and leg pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
With endoscopic spine surgery, this condition can be treated with a less than 1 cm incision
