What is a herniated disk?

A ruptured disc occurs when the inner, spongy part of a disc breaks through the barrier that keeps it in place and puts pressure on the spinal column and nerves around it. They are very painful and if left untreated, can result in permanent nerve damage.

There are many great sites available with all the information you could possible want or need. This first one also has pictures:
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/herniate...


This second site is very informative and offers an explanation, testing and treatment options:

www.neurosurgerytoday.org

I am having an MRI done on my spine this
Wed. coming =i will let you know if that is what mine is OK
If it is my symptoms are soft masses coming out between the vertebrae

A herniated disk happens when one of the disks in the spine bulges from its proper place. Disks are small circular cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. The disks are compressible and act as cushions for the bones of the spine. Herniated disks press on the nerves where they exit from the spinal column in close proximity to the disk and can cause severe pain. This is most common in the lower spine.

They are intervertebral discs that lies between the spinal bones and act like shock absorbers and the help to prevent the bones from rubbing together.Its a fiberous material on the outer ring(annular fibrosis) and a gel like center( the nucleus).they also give your spine its curve and aid in movement. Disc start to show wear and tear,they may loose fluid, have small lesions in the outer walls. Severe trauma, continued improper positions and age effect them.When the nucleus pushes the fiberous ring out of shape that's a herniation.The herniation caused the disc to buldge called a protrusion. If it buldge goes into the anatomical space of the spinal chord it can put pressure on the spinal nerves. X-rays don't show a herniated disc. the best method to view if you have one is through an MRI and or a CT scan, these reveal the complexities of the spinal nerves.