What is a herniated nucleus pulposus?

A disc herniation: The nucleus pulposus is the middle soft part of the disc in the spine that normally acts like a cushion. It looks and feels like a thick jelly material. Sometimes, it can leak out if there is a tear in the outside part of the disc (called the annulus fibrosus). When it leaks out, it can pinch a nerve and cause pain that radiates into the extremities.

Herniated disc: Intervertebral disc has 2 parts: tough outer layer, called annulus fibrosis, and gel-like inner layer, called nucleos pulposis. Usually develop a tear in the annulus, allowing nucleos to squirt out. When it does so, it can cause pressure on a nerve root causing pain, numbness/tingling, or weakness in the nerve's distribution..

Another name for HNP: Hnp or herniated nucleous pulposus is a portion of the interior of the disc itself known as the nucleus pulposus that ruptures thru the outer pirtion of the disc known as the annulus fibrosis.