Slipped Discs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

What is a slipped disc?

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated nucleus pulposus, occurs. When the disc material moves (or slips) out of its normally defined space, irritating the surrounding nerves and causing a host of painful symptoms. This tearing of the tissues around the disc can happen. When your back is under extra strain. When you are carrying a heavy load, or making a sudden movement.

Slipped disc symptoms

If you’re experiencing the following, it could be a slipped disc

• Pain at the site of the slipped disc, eg. neck pain if the disc is in the neck, or lower back pain if the disc is in your lumbar spine
• Tingling or numbness. Which occurs if the disc is touching your nerves
• Shooting pains in your arms or legs
• Weakness in your limbs or hands
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Issues with your fine motor skills
• Difficulty passing urine, known as urinary retention

The severity of your symptoms depends on where the slipped disc is protruding from and whether it is touching your nerves or pressing on your spinal cord.

Diagnosing a slipped disc

If you have any of the symptoms of a slipped disc, it’s important to visit an orthopaedic specialist, particularly if you are suffering from nerve dysfunction (tingling, numbness, sciatica or urinary retention). Your doctor will provide you with a full examination, and any scans or tests required to determine a diagnosis.

The best form of imaging to diagnose a slipped disc is usually an MRI, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, which can create detailed 3D images of the spine. An x-ray might be used to rule out other causes of the pain, such as a fracture, but will not be able to show if you have a herniated disc. If your doctor doesn’t perform an MRI, there are other tests you might undergo, such as a CT scan, or a myelogram, which is a test using dye injected around your spinal cord and imaging to locate pressure on your spine.

If your doctor thinks your nerves are damaged, they might also order further tests, such as an electromyogram or nerve conduction studies, to check the activity of your nerves.

Treating a slipped disc

Fortunately, slipped discs can often be treated with medication, physiotherapy and activity modification. Some of the most common treatment options are:

• RestGetting plenty of rest can help reduce swelling. Allowing your spine time to heal itself. You do need to keep moving to some degree to prevent stiffness, but reduced activity with no heavy lifting is a good way to improve symptoms of your slipped disc.
• Physical therapyPhysiotherapists can work with you to create a programme that helps with your recovery and keeps you mobile. This might include stretching, gentle aerobic exercise, ultrasound, massage, or heat and cold therapy.
• MedicationOver-the-counter anti-inflammatories and painkillers can help. However, you should consult your doctor. Before you take anything. Especially if it’s for more than 1 – 2 days. In more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe stronger painkillers, muscle relaxants or nerve pain medication, if required.
• InjectionsSteroid injections are sometimes used at the site of the pain to ease swelling and reduce pain.