What Is a Herniated Disc? Symptoms & Treatment Options

A herniated disc — sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc happens when the soft gel inside a spinal disc pushes out through a small crack in the outer layer. This can press on ne

arby nerves and cause pain.

What Are Spinal Discs?

Your spine is made of bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. Between each bone is a disc , like a soft cushion that helps with movement and shock absorption.

Common Symptoms

• Back or neck pain

• Pain that spreads to the leg (sciatica) or arm

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness in the muscles

• Pain that gets worse with bending, sitting, or coughing

• Some people have no symptoms at all if the disc doesn’t press on a nerve.

  
  

Causes

• Genetic predisposition

• Repetitive strain and physically demanding work

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Prolonged sitting or frequent driving

  
  

Treatment Options

Conservative (Non-surgical):

• Pain medications and muscle relaxants

• Physiotherapy and exercises

• Epidural or nerve block injections

  
  

Surgical Options (if pain continues):

• Endoscopic discectomy – a modern, minimally invasive procedure using a tiny incision and camera to remove the disc fragment

• Microdiscectomy – small incision with microscope guidance

  
  

Most people improve with time and non-surgical care. Surgery is for cases with severe pain, weakness, or nerve damage that doesn't improve.

When to See a Spine Consultant?

• If the pain persists and does not improve with conservative treatment (e.g. NSAIDs, physical therapy, or activity modification)

• If you have numbness, weakness, or trouble walking

• If daily life is affected

  
  

📞 Book a consultation today to get a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan , and take the first step toward relief.