Discs found between the vertebrae in the spinal column are shock absorbers for the spinal bones. They serve to cushion the spinal bones. Disc herniation is the pushing of a fragment of the disc into the spinal from the annulus. This happens because of a rupture or tears in the annulus, and usually affects discs in early degenerative stages. Pain stemming from disc herniation can be severe as the disc presses on the spinal nerves due to its displacement. Disc herniation can affect any part of the spine but are most common in the lower back. Herniated discs also occur in the neck. Depending on which part of the spine is impacted the location of the pain will vary. A herniated disc can be caused by an injury or excessive strain although there are many potential causes. As an individual ages, it is natural for the ligaments keeping a disc in place to weaken and disc material to degenerate. The more degeneration occurs, the more minor an action is required to result in a herniated disk. Some individuals are more susceptible to herniated discs due to a variety of factors than others.