For those unfamiliar with a herniated disc, here’s what you need to know. Spinal discs are connective tissue pillows that are found between the vertebrae (bones) of your spinal column. These pillows act as shock absorbers and allow for some movement along your spinal column such as twisting and bending forward and backward. These discs have two-part anatomy known as the center region that is named the Nucleus Pulposus and an outer part of Annulus Fibrosis. The Nucleus Pulposus is like Jell-O and can withstand high pressure, for example when you are standing or sitting down. This gelatinous center also allows for movement in many directions such as bending side to side, forward, backward, and twisting. The Annulus Fibrosis, which surrounds the Nucleus Pulposus, has a high concentration of protein and is quite tough. In other words, the Annulus Fibrosis is a protein bag that holds in the gooey Nucleus Pulposus and prevents the nucleus from escaping. Now that you have some understanding of disc anatomy, let’s move on to what a herniated disc is. If the Annulus Fibrosis is bruised during an auto accident, or if it gets a slight tear or is completely ruptured, the gooey inside of the Nucleus Pulposus leaks into the tough outer fibrous area. Now you have a herniated disc which can cause pressure on the spinal nerves that in turn can cause pain and muscle weakness. Once you have been examined by a medical professional, you should have some idea as to the severity of your problem and what therapies can be applied to your particular situation. Quite often, conventional treatments are used such as hot or cold compresses, exercise, painkillers, traction, chiropractic care, or physical therapy. Although there are a number of therapies for herniated disc problems, it is often difficult to know whether a herniated disc is really your problem. Some doctors assume your back pain is a result of a damaged disc even though they have no X-ray or MRI to back it up. We need to go a little bit further to understand the difficulty in diagnosing back pain that makes it difficult to treat properly.