Disc herniations are a common cause of back pain and discomfort in the gluteal area and legs. They affect all age groups.

These symptoms are caused by protrusions of intervertebral discs which exert pressure on the spinal nerves. If the symptoms do not resolve spontaneously or under conservative treatment (e.g. physiotherapy) a neurosurgical procedure in the spinal canal is often necessary to remove the disc prolapse. If scar tissue forms after the surgery it can cause symptoms similar to the removed disc prolapse: This is referred to as "failed back syndrome".