A pathologic disc can compress the sciatic nerve resulting in sciatica. Although any pathologic disc is potentially serious.
Special Orthopedic Assessment Tests for the Neck – Space Occupying Conditions
The term “space occupying condition” is used to describe a condition in which there is compression on a spinal nerve in the intervertebral foramen.
Pathologic Disc Conditions of the Neck
The danger with a disc bulge or herniation is that the disc can compress the spinal nerve within the intervertebral foramen, causing a pinched nerve.