Condition
Slipped disc (herniated disc): causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to slipped (herniated) discs — what they are, how they feel, and how most people recover.
Quick answer
A slipped disc, or herniated disc, occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through its outer wall and can press on nearby nerves. Most slipped discs improve within a few weeks to months with conservative care, and surgery is rarely needed.
Key facts
- “Slipped disc” is the everyday term for a herniated or prolapsed disc.
- Discs most commonly herniate in the lower back or neck.
- The majority of cases settle without surgery.
What is a slipped disc?
A slipped disc is when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer, sometimes pressing on a nearby nerve.
Despite the name, the disc does not actually slip out of place. The bulging material can irritate nerves, which is what produces radiating pain. Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae.
What are the symptoms of a slipped disc?
Symptoms depend on location, but commonly include back or neck pain with pain, numbness or weakness that radiates into a limb.
- Pain in the lower back (or neck) that may radiate into a leg or arm
- Numbness or tingling along the path of the affected nerve
- Muscle weakness in the affected limb
- Pain that worsens with bending, sitting, coughing or sneezing
What causes a slipped disc?
Slipped discs are usually caused by age-related wear or strain from lifting, twisting or repetitive load on the spine.
- Gradual disc degeneration with age
- Heavy or awkward lifting
- Sudden strain or injury
- Prolonged sitting and poor movement habits
How is a slipped disc treated?
Most slipped discs are treated conservatively, with activity modification, targeted exercise and manual therapy to ease nerve irritation.
Care focuses on reducing pain, restoring movement and gradually loading the spine so the disc can settle. Imaging and specialist referral are considered when symptoms are severe or fail to improve.
At Postura Wellness, care for a slipped disc is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Get emergency medical attention for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or sudden severe weakness in a leg. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Get a clear plan for your herniated disc
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Back Pain — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Know Your Back — North American Spine Society
- Health Topics — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Sciatica — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Sciatica — NHS inform (Scotland)
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine