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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.
Regardless of the cause, once the tough shell of the disc is weakened or cracked, the soft gel of the nucleus pulposus can deform the disc. Once deformation occurs, the inner portion of the disc can protrude through the outer ring, resulting in this painful condition. Although any one of the intervertebral discs can become damaged, ruptured discs are more common in the lumbar region of the spine.