What is a herniated disc?

According to Mayo Clinic, a herniated disk is a medical condition that affects the soft tissue cushions located between the vertebrae of the spine. Also called a slipped disk, ruptured disk and collapsed disk, this condition is diagnosed when the inner portion of the disk protrudes through the outer ring.

In severe cases, bones in the spinal column may trap or pinch spinal nerves, resulting in pain and numbness, says Healthline. In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair the damage and stabilize the spinal column. Slipped disks can cause intense pain in the back and leg, according to Spine-Health.