Spinal discs are cartilaginous discs that sit between the bony parts of your spine. They absorb shock and allow movement in all parts of the spine. They also provide room for the major spinal nerves to exit from the spinal canal.   A spinal disc injury can range in severity from a minor strain or internal derangements, all the way to complete disc ruptures. Let’s break down the actual anatomy of a spinal disc.   First, the center of the disc is the disc nucleus. It’s the liquid component of the disc. It moves and shifts to adjust to your body’s movements, as well as the pressure on your spine.   There is also a firm outer section of the disc that holds the liquid component in shape. This is the annulus. If the disc nucleus bulges past the annulus, the disc becomes herniated. This can happen if a spinal injury is severe enough that it injures the annulus.   When a disc bulges, it can pinch the nerve exiting the spine. This causes the traditional symptoms of bulging discs: back pain, spasms, cramping, numbness, pins and needles, and pain in the legs.