The spinal nerve originates in the spinal cord and terminates in an extremity. A degree of slack allows the full movement of the nerve. If a disc herniation occupies space underneath the nerve, then the nerve can be stretched over the herniation and also compressed by the herniation. The nerve carries electrical signals between its origin and its destination. If the nerve is distorted and its function interrupted from stretch or compression, then the signals may be completely or partially interrupted. The loss or partial interruption of the signals is recognized as a particular symptom or symptoms