Diskectomy A ruptured disk, also called a herniated disk, occurs when the disk capsule breaks open and protrudes into the spinal canal, pressing on nerve roots. A gel oozes out of the disk and causes more pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots. Over time, the gel usually disintegrates, and the symptoms may be relieved. When a disk ruptures, however, the pad between the two vertebrae is destroyed, and the gradual wearing of the bone leads to arthritis. A ruptured disk can cause serious pain if the arthritic spurs of the vertebrae press on the nerve root. Without treatment, the pain will worsen as years go by. The pain of a ruptured disk is usually sharp and sudden. Commonly, the pain will be passed along the course of the nerve impinged by the ruptured disk. A disk pressing on the sciatic nerve root causes sciatica, sending pain from the buttock down the leg and into the foot. A bulging disk, involving no fragmentation, cannot be seen on a normal X-ray but can be picked up easily on a CT or MRI scan. If the symptoms do not subside, surgery may be needed to remove some or the entire disk.