Slipped Disc

What happens when you slip a disc?

Your spine is made up of bones with soft, squishy cushions between them called discs. Think of these discs like jam doughnuts - they have a tough outer layer with softer tissue inside.

A slipped disc happens when one of these cushions bulges out from between the bones in your spine. It's also called a herniated or prolapsed disc, but these all mean the same thing.

The good news is that many people have slipped discs without ever knowing it. It only causes problems if the bulging disc presses on nearby nerves.

What does a slipped disc feel like?

If a slipped disc is pressing on nerves, you might notice:

• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Numbness or pins and needles in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet
• Trouble bending or straightening your back
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in your bottom, hips or legs (this is called sciatica when it affects the sciatic nerve)

Remember, back pain can have many causes. Most back pain isn't serious, even when it's very painful.

How can you help yourself feel better?

Keep moving This might seem strange when you're in pain, but gentle movement actually helps you recover faster. If the pain is very bad, you might need to rest for a day or two. But try to get moving again as soon as you can. Any type of gentle exercise is fine - just build up slowly.

Take painkillers Anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen can really help. Take them regularly (following the packet instructions) rather than waiting until the pain gets bad. This helps you keep moving, which speeds up your recovery.

Your pharmacist can advise if ibuprofen is right for you. They can also suggest stronger painkillers if needed, but these should only be used for a few days.

When should you speak to your GP?

See your GP if you have back pain and:

• Painkillers aren't helping
• The pain isn't getting better after a few weeks
• You have a high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery
• You're losing weight without trying
• You have swelling in your back
• The pain is worse at night

When is it an emergency?

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you have back pain with:

• Numbness around your bottom or private parts
• Can't pass urine
• Loss of feeling in one or both legs
• Can't control when you pass urine or open your bowels
• The pain started after a serious accident

Don't drive yourself - ask someone else to drive you or call an ambulance.

What causes slipped discs?

Several things can make a slipped disc more likely:

• Getting older (discs naturally wear out)
• Exercising too hard
• Lifting heavy things the wrong way
• Sitting or driving for long periods
• Being inactive or overweight
• Smoking (nicotine weakens disc tissue)

How to protect your back

• Stay active with regular exercise
• Learn safe lifting techniques
• Don't smoke
• Take breaks from sitting

Most slipped discs get better with time, rest, gentle movement and painkillers. Speak to your GP if you're worried or if your symptoms aren't improving.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.