A herniated disc is an injury often caused by overexertion or continuous strain on the spine. It occurs when a disc’s spongy-like cushioning, which sits between vertebrae, weakens and the gelatinous nucleus in the middle of the disc bulges outwards. This can then cause pressure to be placed on nearby nerves, ultimately resulting in pain, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling depending on the affected area. In some cases it can also lead to issues such as difficulty walking and maintaining steady balance due to muscle weakness.