Slipped disc Dr Rob Hicks A prolapsed or herniated disc is a common back complaint.

In this article

What is a slipped disc? Symptoms

Causes and risk factors Treatment and recovery

Advice and support

The shock-absorbing discs in the spine are made up of a strong outer fibrous coat that contains soft gel-like material. A prolapsed disc occurs when the gel-like material pushes out from between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). A herniated disc occurs when the outer coat ruptures.

Pain is caused when the disc puts pressure on the surrounding nerves or spinal cord.

A slipped disc is most common in the lower back, but it can also occur in the neck and upper back.

It's most likely to occur between the ages of 25 and 45, and is slightly more common in men.

Symptoms may occur suddenly or build up gradually over a number of weeks. They may include:

• Difficulty moving
• Muscle spasm
• Aching pain
• Stiffness in the affected area

If the disc presses on a nerve, weakness, severe pain, numbness or tingling may occur in the leg (sciatica) or arm, depending on where in the spine the slipped disc has occurred.

Impaired bowel or bladder function can indicate pressure on the spinal cord. If these symptoms arise, urgent medical advice is needed.

Incorrect lifting of objects and being overweight increase the risk of a slipped disc occurring.

Therefore, keeping to an ideal weight, exercising the back muscles regularly and lifting objects correctly can help you avoid such an injury.

Treatment may include avoiding further stress on the back by modifying physical activities, painkillers, physiotherapy or osteopathy. In most cases this is enough to let the condition settle.

Sometimes traction, anaesthetic injections or surgery is recommended if the disc remains prolapsed or worsens.

BackCare

Tel: 0845 130 2704
Website: www.backcare.org.uk

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Gill Jenkins in August 2009.