A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc or a ruptured disc, is a common spinal condition that occurs when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc (the cushioning structure between the vertebrae in the spine) pushes through a tear or crack in the tough, outer layer of the disc. This condition can lead to various symptoms and discomfort due to the compression or irritation of nearby nerves or spinal cord. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of a slipped disc: