What is an intervertebral disc? Both a bulging disc and an herniated disc are conditions that affect the intervertebral disc. The intervetebral disc is a spongy, oval-shaped “shock absorber” that is located between vertebrae. Discs cushion the vertebrae, contribute to flexibility and help to protect the spinal cord. Discs are composed...

With the exception of the first two vertebrae in the neck, there is an intervertebral disc between each vertebra of the spine. Discs act as a shock absorber and a shock distributor, and provide us with flexibility. The discs are made up primarily of water. The structure of a intervertebral disc...