Herniated disk

A herniated (slipped) disk occurs when part or all of the soft, gelatinous portion of a disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk. The disk may move out of place (herniate) or break open (rupture) from injury or strain. This can put pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This can happen to any part of the spine, but it most often occurs in the lower back. A herniated disk in the lower back may cause low back pain that radiates across the hips or to the ankle or foot. If the disk herniation is minimal, you may have no symptoms. Most people improve with nonsurgical treatment, but it may take several months or a year or more to return to all of your activities without having pain.

Review Date:4/1/2025
Reviewed By:Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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