Doctor's Notes on Slipped Disc (Herniated Disc)
A slipped or herniated disc refers to an abnormality of the intervertebral discs, which are pads of tissue that serve as cushions between the vertebral bodies in the spinal column (backbone). Abnormal rupture of the disc is referred to as disc herniation or a slipped disc. This most often occurs in the low back, and it may press on the nerve tissue in the spinal nerves adjacent to the area of the rupture.
Signs and symptoms of a herniated disc depend on the level of the spine where the disc herniation occurs. Disc herniation may not cause any symptoms if the nerve tissue is not being compressed or irritated.
- If the slipped disc presses on the adjacent spinal nerves, symptoms may include shooting pain in the distribution of that nerve, which usually occurs on one side of the body.
- Disc herniation at the level between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae of the lower back (a common location for a herniated disc) can cause shooting pain down the buttock into the back of the thigh and down the leg.
Other associated symptoms may include weakness, tingling, or numbness.
What Is the Treatment for Slipped Disc?
Treatment for slipped disc varies according to the severity and may include:
- Non-prescription and prescription anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription pain reliever medications
- Muscle relaxant medications
- Drugs that affect nerve signaling, such as gabapentin, dukloxteine, pregabalin, and venlafaxine
- Cortisone injections into the affected area
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles
- Surgery, for more severe cases
Back Pain : Test Your Back Pain IQ Quiz

Nearly everyone has low back pain at some time during their life.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Can a Herniated Disc Heal on Its Own?
Herniated discs (ruptured, slipped, or bulged disc) can heal on their own and conservative treatment may be all that is needed. Conservative treatments for a herniated disc include over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, muscle relaxants, steroid injections, injections of numbing medicines, physical therapy for strength and stretching exercises, spinal manipulation by a physical therapist or a chiropractor, massage, acupuncture, and exercise/staying active. -
Exercise
Exercise has been shown to reduce one's risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon and breast cancer, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce depression and anxiety. The Surgeon General recommends accumulating 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. -
How Bad Does a Herniated Disc Have to Be for Surgery?
A herniated disc (bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc) affects the discs in the back that cushion the bones (vertebrae) of the spine, and is common in the lower back (lumbar spine). Surgery for a herniated disc is not always necessary, but it can speed up recovery time, which can take several months. -
Leg Pain
There are a variety of causes of leg pain. Some of the common causes include fractures, strains, sprains, bleeding, diseases such as gout, peripheral artery disease, and cancer. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, sciatica, neuropathy, joint pain, muscle injury, and skin abnormalities. Treatment of leg pain depends on the cause. -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, abdomen, and pelvis. MRI is a very safe procedure; sedation may be used for infants, small children, or adults who are claustrophobic. -
Sciatica
Sciatica is lower back pain that radiates through the buttocks and down one leg. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pregnancy, and a pinched nerve. Read about pain relief, symptoms, home remedies, and treatment. -
X-Rays
X-Rays are a form of radiation used to image solid forms inside the body. X-rays are administered by radiologists for many different routine tests, such as mammograms, checking for broken bones, upper GI series, and dental exams, among others. Radiologists carefully monitor the X-ray equipment to make sure the patient receives the smallest dose of radiation possible.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.