A ruptured disc occurs when the jellylike material (nucleus) inside the disc breaks through the outer shell (capsule or annulus) of the spinal disc.

• Since the nucleus is no longer stretching the fibers that form the capsule, there may be a significant reduction in back pain.
• Fragments of a ruptured disc may break off and become lodged in the spinal canal.
• Symptoms of sciatica may result:
  • If the ruptured nucleus compresses a nerve root.
  • When disc fragments compress and irritate nerve roots.