Patient information from BMJ

Slipped disc (lower back): what is it?

Last published:Apr 25, 2022

A slipped disc can be very painful. But in most people the pain gets better on its own within about six weeks. If it doesn't get better there are treatments that can help, including surgery.

What is a slipped disc?

Although people talk about a slipped disc, nothing in your spine has actually slipped out of place. If your doctor says you have a slipped disc it means one of the discs that sit between each of the bones in your spine has been damaged.

The outer shell of the disc has torn and the spongy inner pad, which cushions the bones, is bulging out. It may be pressing on a nerve. This is what causes the pain. 

Slipped discs are often caused by strain on your lower back. Things that make slipped discs more likely include:

• being older

• having a job that involves heavy lifting

• having a job that involves sitting for a long time or driving for long periods

• being very overweight

• smoking, and

• playing strenuous contact sports, such as rugby.

Slipped discs are more common in men than in women. Back problems also seem to run in families.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom is pain in your lower back. It might start as an ache or it might come on suddenly as a sharp, severe pain. You may find it painful to sit, stand, or move around.

As well as the pain in their lower back, many people with a slipped disc get pain running down one leg. This happens when the damaged disc presses on a nerve that runs down the leg to the feet.

The nerve is called the sciatic nerve and this type of pain is called sciatica. If this happens you may feel pain, numbness, or 'pins and needles' in your legs or feet. 

It's not always easy to diagnose a slipped disc. Your doctor will probably ask you questions about the pain and examine you.

For example, they might ask you to raise your leg, keeping it straight, while you lie on your back. If you get sciatica pain before the leg is two-thirds of the way up, this suggests that you have a slipped disc. 

The pain of a slipped disc usually goes away within six weeks. But if it lasts longer your doctor may send you to see a back-pain specialist. You might need an MRI scan of your spine. A scan can tell for sure if you have a slipped disc.

You should seek medical attention straight away if you:

• have bad back pain that is getting worse

• get a feeling of weakness in both your legs

• lose control over your bladder or bowels, or

• feel numb around your buttocks and genital region.

These symptoms could mean that you have a more serious problem with your spinal cord that may need emergency treatment.

What to expect in the future

Pain from a slipped disc gets better without treatment for 9 out of 10 people. Most people feel better within six weeks, but it can take longer.

Back pain from a slipped disc may come back, whether or not you have treatment. It's important to learn how to avoid over-straining or damaging your back again. A physiotherapist can advise you about ways to protect your back when lifting things, or when sitting for a long time.