A disc herniation (aslo known as a slipped disc, bulged disc or ruptured disc) occurs when the intervertebral disc that sits between two vertebrae herniates and often places pressure on a near by nerve causing severe pain. This often results in pain that travels anywhere from the low back down the path of the sciatic nerve. This can include pain that starts in the low back, travel into the buttock, hamstring, down the calf or into the foot.

The most common causes of disc herniation include: Sudden loading and twisting of the spine, low back degeneration, weight gain, prolonged sitting, repetitive motions of twisting and loading of the spine.

Patients will often describe this pain as sharp, shooting, deep dull pain that travels through the buttock and down the leg. It may also lead to weakness in the lower extremity, buckling of the knee or difficulty walking.