Patient information from BMJ

Slipped disc: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Apr 25, 2022

If you have a slipped disc, one of the discs in your spine has been damaged and may be pressing on a nerve. It can be very painful, and sometimes cause other symptoms, such as numbness or 'pins and needles' in your legs or feet.

Rarely, people get more serious symptoms, such as a feeling of weakness in both their legs, or numbness around their buttocks and genital region. This suggests their slipped disc is causing a serious problem, and they may need emergency surgery.

However, most people don’t need emergency treatment. You may feel you can't do the things you usually do, but staying active may help you recover more quickly. If your back pain doesn't go away, surgery may help.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor about a slipped disc.

If your doctor thinks you may have a slipped disc

• Is there a way you can be certain I have a slipped disc?

• Should I have an MRI scan or a CT scan? If so, when?

• Do I need to stay in bed or rest?

• Are there any activities that might make it worse?

• Is there anything that can help reduce the pain?

• How can I avoid getting pain again?

• Are there any exercises that can make my back stronger?

• Should I drive?

If you've had a scan that shows you have a slipped disc

• Does the disc that's damaged in my spine match the symptoms I have?

• How can you be sure the slipped disc is causing my symptoms?

If your doctor suggests surgery

• What is surgery likely to do for me?

• What are the risks?

• How long will it take for me to recover?

• When will I be able to go back to work?

• Which kind of surgery do you recommend?

• If I don't have surgery, what other treatments are there?

• What else can I do to make my back feel better?