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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
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Robert B. Keller, MD
- Orthopedics
Last Updated August 9, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 09, 2006
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