A disc herniation (also 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 results in pain that travels from the low back down the the sciatic nerve (down the back of the leg).

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.