The intervertebral discs lay in between the vertebrae or bones of the spine, all along the spinal column. The intervertebral discs function as a cushion in between the vertebrae allowing the spine to move correctly while supporting the body. The disc is made up of a tough outer shell called the annulus and a soft inner area called the nucleus. The annulus is the part with nerve endings which can sense painful stimuli. The material inside the disc is gel like material that is extremely caustic, and if the disc tears, this material may leak out. It can cause pain and inflammation to the outer part of the annulus as well as the surrounding nerves of the spinal cord. If the disc tear goes untreated, it can become worse and become a disc bulge or disc herniation, causing more pain.