With age, the discs of the spine weaken and degenerate. Over time, they flatten out and lose their cushioning function (they are less "padded"). If a disc becomes too weak, it is possible for the outside to break.
The inner part of the disc extrudes through the break (it "herniates") and presses on the nerves beside it, constituting a herniated disc. Herniated discs are more common in people aged 30-50 years.
With treatment, most people recover. The recovery can take a long time. Treatment includes rest, analgesics and anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and sometimes surgery. Losing weight can also help.