Science today isn't the same as the science 2000 years ago was but some principles remain the same. The human knowledge constantly grows but with more knowledge there comes even more mysteries and unsolved questions, so science is always going forward.
Causes. The most common cause of a cervical herniated nucleus pulposus is gradual degeneration of the disc, attenuation (weakening) of the posterior annulus fibrosis, and subsequent protrusion of the nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal causing compression of the nerve root.
Herniated Disc Cause #2: Injury. A herniated disc can also be caused by an injury. You can herniate a disc in a car accident, for example: the sudden, jerking movement can put too much pressure on the disc, causing it to herniate. Or you can herniate a disc by lifting a heavy object incorrectly, or by twisting extremely.