Ruptured discs
A ruptured disc occurs when the jellylike material (nucleus) inside the disc breaks through the outer shell (capsule or annulus) of the spinal disc.
- Since the nucleus is no longer stretching the fibers that form the capsule, there may be a significant reduction in back pain.
- Fragments of a ruptured disc may break off and become lodged in the spinal canal.
- Symptoms of sciatica may result:
- If the ruptured nucleus compresses a nerve root.
- When disc fragments compress and irritate nerve roots.
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: August 9, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics | |
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