Dan Cole had been ruled out of England's three remaining Six Nations fixtures with a neck injury.
The Leicester Tigers tighthead prop, who has 45 caps for his national side, has been diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck, which is trapping a nerve.
Coach Stuart Lancaster told the RFU's official website: "It's massively disappointing for Dan, Leicester and England but the important thing is that this has been diagnosed and that Dan gets the appropriate rest and treatment.
"Our medics are working closely with Leicester's to come up with a programme that will ensure Dan returns in the best possible shape."
England host Ireland when the tournament resumes next weekend.
