by 
The Curious Bag
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When an intervertebral disc becomes herniated, the outer layers of the disc are damaged so they no longer provide appropriate support for the vertebrae it is meant to separate, resulting in an often painful condition that must be treated by a specialist
What is a Disc?
The vertebrae of the spine are separated by discs of cartilage; each disc has multiple rings, or layers, intended to absorb shock, prevent bone on bone contact and protect the sciatic nerve.
First Disc Layer
The inner layer is a kind of nucleus, made up of a jelly-like substance. It holds water and absorbs the shock of movement.
Second Disc Layer
The middle layer contains several rings of a tougher cartilage that holds the nucleus in place.
Third Disc Layer:
The outermost layer is made up of rings of a very hard cartilage that supports the weight of the body and wards off spinal compression.
What Happens When A Disc Becomes Herniated
Previous to herniation, the inner layer of gel pushed out and created a bulge in the middle layer of tissue, as that tissue became too dry and too weak to support the nucleus. When the disc herniates rings of this cartilage tear, the gel center pours out into the second layer of the disc.
Source:
Columbia Advanced Chiropractic, LLC: Herniated Disc and Related Effects
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