Slipped Disk

Back Pain Slideshow

• Slipped Disk Overview
• Slipped Disk Causes
• Slipped Disk Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Slipped Disk Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Slipped Disk Overview

The disks are protective shock-absorbing pads between the bones of the spine. Although they do not actually "slip," a disk may split or rupture. This can cause the disk to fail, allowing the gel to escape into the surrounding tissue. The leaking jellylike substance can place pressure on the spinal cord or on a single nerve fiber and cause pain either around the damaged disk or anywhere along the area controlled by that nerve. This condition is also known as a herniated, ruptured, prolapsed, or, more commonly, slipped disk.

The most frequently affected area is the low back, but any disk can rupture, including those in the neck.

Picture of herniated disc between L4 and L5

Cross-section picture of herniated disc between L4 and L5

Picture of stapled incision post-surgery