Definition:
Intervertebral disks act as cushions, absorbing shocks to the spine during movement. They are much like jelly donuts, with firmer material all around the outside protecting the soft substance that resides in the center. There is a disk in between each vertebra.
If the firmer outer material of the intervertebral disk should become damaged or weakened, either through an injury or with age, the disk can bulge out from where it normally belongs. It could also herniate (rupture). This can cause pain.
Also Known As: disk
