A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its tougher outer shell. Pathologically, this displacement can mechanically compress or chemically irritate neighboring spinal nerve roots, leading to localized pain, numbness, or weakness in an extremity (also known as radiculopathy) . Management primarily involves conservative care, focusing on activity modification, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms while the disc naturally heals. If neurological deficits worsen or pain remains intractable after several weeks, surgical options like a minimally invasive microdiscectomy may be required to remove the protruding material.  Occasionally this require more urgent/emergent treatment with profound weakness or changes to bowel/bladder function.