Slipped disc

Check if it's a slipped disc

A slipped disc (also called a prolapsed or herniated disc) can cause:

• lower back pain
• numbness or tingling in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet
• neck pain
• problems bending or straightening your back
• muscle weakness
• pain in the buttocks, hips or legs if the disc is pressing on the sciatic nerve (sciatica)

Not all slipped discs cause symptoms. Many people will never know they have slipped a disc.

Other causes of back pain

Sometimes the pain may be a result of an injury, such as a sprain or strain, but often there's no obvious reason.

Back pain is rarely caused by anything serious.

How you can ease the pain yourself

Keep active

If the pain is very bad, you may need to rest at first. But start gentle exercise as soon as you can. It will help you get better faster.

The type of exercise isn't important, just gradually increase your activity level.

Take painkillers

Alternate painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. Paracetamol on its own isn't recommended for back pain.

Take them regularly (up to the recommended daily amount) rather than just when the pain is particularly bad. This will help you to keep moving.

How a pharmacist can help

A pharmacist can advise on pain relief for a slipped disc.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen aren't suitable for everyone. Speak to a pharmacist if you're not sure.

Stronger painkillers containing codeine may help for pain that has just started. But these types of painkillers can cause addiction and should only be used for a few days.

See a GP if:

• your painkillers aren't helping
• the pain is no better after a month

When to get urgent medical help

Go to your nearest emergency department if you have back pain and you:

• have numbness around your bottom or genitals
• can't pee
• can't control when you pee or poo
• can’t move your legs/arms normally, and the symptoms are getting worse
• lose feeling in one or both legs
• got it after a serious accident, such as a car accident

You should see your GP or GP out of hours service urgently if you:

• have unexplained weight loss
• have a swelling in your back
• notice the pain is worse at night
• have a very high temperature or you feel hot and shivery

Your GP will usually be able to tell if you have a slipped disc from your symptoms, or on examining you.

Treatment from a GP

Your GP might prescribe a stronger painkiller, a steroid injection or a muscle relaxant to use in the short term.

If your symptoms don't get better your GP might recommend further tests, like an MRI scan.

They might also refer you to a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy from the health service might not be available everywhere and waiting times can be long. You can also get it privately.

• Find a physiotherapist

Surgery for a slipped disc

Surgery isn't usually needed, but your GP might refer to you a specialist to discuss surgery if your symptoms:

• haven't improved using other treatments
• include worsening muscle weakness, or numbness

Alternative treatments for slipped disc

There's some evidence that manual therapies like osteopathy can help ease lower back pain. However, it is difficult to be certain, since with no treatment, about half of people with sciatica will get better within 10 days, and three quarters within four weeks.

You'll usually have to pay for this type of treatment privately.

What causes a slipped disc

They can happen because of:

• ageing
• exercising too hard
• lifting heavy objects the wrong way
• vibration – from driving or operating machinery
• being inactive or overweight

To help prevent slipped discs

There are things you can do to help prevent slipped discs, these include:

Do

• keep active
• use a safe technique when lifting heavy objects

Don't

• smoke – nicotine weakens the disc tissue

More useful links

• How to use your health services