Address: 9 Jeremy Pl, Trenton, NJ 08620 About US What is Herniated Lumbar? A normal disc lies between the bones of the spine. When a disc herniates, it leaves its normal location and is pushed backwards or to the side. The nerves that typically travel along the bones of the spine become irritated and pinched by the herniated disc. Sciatica usually occurs because of bulging and herniated discs in the lumbar spine. Herniated discs become inflamed and frequently pinch nerves that are traveling from the pelvis into the leg. When these nerves become irritated, patients will typically experience shooting pain and numbness in leg and foot.