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The discs have a tough outer covering of cartilage that provides support (the annulus fibrosus) and a soft, jellylike center that provides the cushioning (the nucleus pulposus). The intervertebral discs have the following functions: They provide cushioning for the vertebrae and reduce the stress caused by impact. By keeping the vertebrae separated from each other, they act as a type of shock absorber for the spine.
A spinal disc injury can result from concentrated trauma to any area of the back or can come about due to the normal degenerative processes combined with certain damaging circumstances. Intervertebral discs are the shock absorbers of the spine. They help to cushion the vertebral bones and facilitate spinal movement. Back injury to a spinal disc can take the form of a bulge, herniation or rupture. Disc injuries are far more common than most people would believe. In fact, many people have herniated discs and do not even know it.