KR
1
1
Moderate severity
· Orthopedics
Slipped Disc
Herniated lumbar disc · Sciatica
The soft centre of a spinal disc bulges out and presses a nerve, causing back pain that shoots down the leg. Most settle with physio in weeks.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Common in 30–50s
- Typical age
- 30–50 years
- Outlook
- Most improve without surgery
- System
- Bones
Reviewed by a verified Orthopedics doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Lifting injury
- Repetitive bending and twisting
- Smoking, obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Genetic disc weakness
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Sharp leg pain (sciatica)
- Tingling or numbness in foot
- Back pain, often less than leg pain
- Weakness in toes
- Bladder / bowel changes — emergency
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Stay active, avoid bed rest
- NSAIDs, neuropathic painkillers
- Physiotherapy and McKenzie exercises
- Epidural steroid injection
- Microdiscectomy if neurological deficit
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Core strengthening
- Lift with legs and core engaged
- Maintain healthy weight
- Don't smoke
Do’s
- Walk daily
- Sleep on a firm mattress
- Use lumbar support
- Most improve in 6 weeks
Don’ts
- Lie in bed for days
- Wear lumbar belt long-term
- Smoke (impairs disc healing)
- Ignore loss of bladder control
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.