Discs in our spinal cords act as shock absorbers for the spine, essentially ensuring that the bones in our spine do not rub against each other when we go about our daily activities. A disc herniates when the softer center of the disc pushes through the tougher exterior of the disc. In some cases, individuals experience no symptoms when a disc herniates. However, herniated discs can irritate nerves nearby the area of the herniation and result in numbness, weakness, or pain in certain areas of the person’s body, usually an arm or leg. Not every herniated disc needs medical intervention. When treatment is needed, it could include medication and physical therapy. In some cases, individuals with herniated discs have to undergo surgery to repair the damage. After a car accident, herniated discs can occur if the force of the collision leads to one of the vertebrae pushing into the spinal canal. This could compress the discs in the spinal cord and cause the disc to herniate outward.