What happens when a herniated disk occurs?

When a herniated disk occurs, the nucleus pulposus, which is the soft, gel-like center of the spinal disc, leaks out through a tear or rupture in the outer layer of the disc. This displacement can irritate nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the herniation in the spine.

The condition is often caused by age-related wear and tear, excessive strain, or injury. It’s important to note that the other choices describe different spinal conditions or effects. For example, spinal fusion involves the joining of two or more vertebrae, which is not a result of a herniated disc. Compression of the spinal cord is a serious condition, but it may result from issues like spinal stenosis, not specifically from a herniated disk. Lastly, while inflammation can occur in the body in response to various injuries, it is not the primary mechanism or characteristic feature associated with a herniated disc. Thus, the correct understanding of a herniated disc centers on the leakage of the nucleus pulposus, impacting the surrounding structures.