What to know about herniated disc surgery

A herniated disc occurs when the soft center layer of a spinal disc, called the annulus fibrosus, tears or ruptures. This allows the inner gel-like portion of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus, to push through into the spinal canal. The type of surgery a person has for a herniated disc depends on factors such as the location of the herniated disc, the severity of the pain, and the disability it causes.