Why might a herniated disc cause pain?

Condition analysis:
Returning to the leaky tube of toothpaste, the disc's gel-like nucleus contains a chemical that irritates the nerves and can cause them to swell. After the chemical agent has done its job, the remnants of the chemical remain and continue to press on the irritated and swollen nerves.

To complicate matters, sometimes fragments from the annulus fibrosus (tire-like outer disc wall, or the tube in the above example) break away from the disc and drift into the spinal canal. These free fragments may travel in the spinal canal. Depending on the type of injury and the condition of the discs, more than one disc may herniate, rupture, or bulge. Sometimes injury causes a combination of intervertebral disc disorders.

Instructions:
White Willow: The bark of the white willow tree has same physiological function as that of aspirin. White willow has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-stringent nature and hence can be used in eliminating the acute back pain and reduces the inflammation associated with disc problems.

Another beneficial product for herniated disc is salicin. It should not be taken without the consultation of a qualified doctor. The Herniated Disc patient should use 60 to 240 mg of willow bark in powder form every day.