Science today isn't the same as the science 2000 years ago was but some principles remain the same. The human knowledge constantly grows but with more knowledge there comes even more mysteries and unsolved questions, so science is always going forward.
Causes. The most common cause of a cervical herniated nucleus pulposus is gradual degeneration of the disc, attenuation (weakening) of the posterior annulus fibrosis, and subsequent protrusion of the nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal causing compression of the nerve root.
In the case of epidural hematoma in the posterior cranial fossa, the herniation is tonsillar and causes the Cushing's triad: hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respiration. Epidural bleeding is rapid because it is usually from arteries, which are high pressure.