Description

• Tear in the discImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
  
  A ruptured disc occurs when the tough protective lining of the disc (annulus fibrosis) tears, and the gel (nucleus pulposus) in the center of the disc squeezes through that tear.
  
  

Function

• FlexingImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of woodley wonderworks
  
  The disc creates a joint between each of the vertebra, which allows them the movements of flexing, extending and slight rotation. The disc can become torn when any of these movements are done to the extreme, such as in an accident or when picking up something too heavy.
  
  

Identification

• SqueezeImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of bradleypjohnson
  
  Once a tear occurs, everyday activities can cause pressure that pushes the nucleus through the tear. This is similar to a rip in a tube of toothpaste. When you squeeze the tube, toothpaste will ooze out of the rip.
  
  

Pain

• Before the nucleus starts to squeeze through the torn annulus, you will usually experience neck pain only. When the nucleus squeezes through the torn annulus it usually irritates a nerve root, causing pain in your neck and shoulders that radiates down your arm.
  
  

Other Effects

• Numbness and tinglingImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Adam Smith
  
  Depending on which disc is ruptured and how it is pressing on your spinal cord and nerve roots, you can also experience numbness and arm weakness. You may also experience tingling in your arm and hand.
  
  

Diagnosing

• DiagnosingImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of katherine raz
  
  A ruptured disc is diagnosed by a doctor's examination along with tests such as X-rays, CT-scan and MRI.