Slipped Disc Symptoms and Treatment

Slipped disc refers to a back or neck condition that causes pain to radiate into an arm or leg. A slipped disc is also known as a herniated or ruptured disc. Pain from a slipped disc can develop all of a sudden after lifting or twisting, or over time as the discs in the spine change with age. Some slipped discs cause no symptoms. Symptoms occur when disc material irritates a neighboring nerve.

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What Is a Slipped Disc?

Discs in the spine are located between the vertebrae and help absorb force when you move around. The center of a disc is soft, and the outer layer is tough. A herniated disc means a portion of the center has bulged into the outer layer, either through a weak area or a tear. While the term slipped disc is often used, the disc does not actually move out of its original place instead, part of the disc material pushes through the outer layer and may irritate a spinal nerve. Slipped discs are more common in the lumbar spine (lower back) but can also occur in the cervical spine (neck).

Resource: mayoclinic.org

Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on where the slipped disc is and if there is nerve involvement. For example, if the herniated disc in the lumbar region is involved, lower back pain and sciatica can result, with pain radiating from the lower back or buttock into the leg.

Typical symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Burning, aching, or sharp pain in the back or neck
• Pain that radiates into a single arm or leg
• Numbness or a tingling sensation in an arm, hand, leg, or foot
• Weakness in muscles
• Pain that is aggravated while sneezing, coughing, bending, or in certain movements
• Difficulty walking, lifting, carrying, or finishing usual tasks

A herniated cervical disc causes pain between the shoulder blades or symptoms that radiate through the shoulder, arm, and hand. If you have a slipped disc in your lumbar spine, you may only feel these symptoms on one side of your body.

What Causes a Slipped Disc?

Most slipped discs are due to age-related disc wear. Discs in the spine lose flexibility over time, making the tough outer layer more prone to tearing from just a simple twist or bend.

Other causes of slipped disc include:

• Lifting or twisting with improper body mechanics
• Repetitive motions of pushing, pulling, bending, or lifting
• Falls, collisions, or other back injuries
• Sitting for long periods of time with a limited level of physical activity
• Smoking
• Disc problems that occur in your family members

A slipped disc is not always caused by an injury.

How Do I Know I Have a Herniated Disc?

A healthcare provider can check strength, sensation, reflexes, gait, and which spinal movements reproduce the symptoms. Not every case requires testing to be seen with an imaging modality. An MRI is sometimes required, especially if symptoms are more severe, neurological symptoms are present, or pain does not subside or improve as expected. Be aware that MRI findings may indicate disc problems in people with no pain.

Treatment for a Herniated Disc

Most herniated disc symptoms can be treated without surgery. How you treat the herniated disc depends on where the disc is and the severity of the nerve symptoms, as well as how you work and other general health conditions. Initial treatment may involve a period of relative rest, exercise, ice or heat, and medication as prescribed by your health care professional. However, spending too much time lying in bed may worsen your condition by causing stiffness and muscle weakness.

Doctors might suggest an epidural steroid injection if your pain is unbearable. Surgery may be considered if conservative treatment isn’t successful, or your symptoms are becoming more severe (progressive weakness), are indicative of significant nerve injury, or include severe loss of function.

How Physical Therapy Can Help a Herniated Disc

Physical therapy treatment for a herniated disc focuses on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preparing for the resumption of activities such as exercise, sports, and work. Physical therapy should always be personalized based on a physical therapist’s evaluation.

A typical treatment plan for physical therapy may include:

• Education on activities and positions that minimize nerve irritation
• Gentle exercises aimed at restoring motion and nerve glides
• Progressive loading exercises to build core strength, hip strength, back strength, or neck strength
• Manual therapy when appropriate
• Education on posture and lifting
• Gradual progression to resuming work, sports, and play
• A home exercise program

The physical therapist may notice specific areas of muscle weakness and restricted motion, resulting in more stress on your spine. As your symptoms evolve, your treatment plan may also evolve. Certain exercises that are beneficial for one person can be problematic for another. However, working with a physical therapist can be very helpful.

When Does a Herniated Disc Require Emergency Treatment?

Urgent medical care is needed if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Trouble urinating
• Loss of bowel function
• Numbness around the inner thighs or genital area
• Rapidly worsening leg weakness

These symptoms may indicate pressure on the cauda equina, a group of nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord.

Common Questions About Herniated Discs

Can a herniated disc heal on its own?

Many people improve on their own or with non-surgical treatment. Healing varies depending on the extent of nerve irritation, your overall health status, and response to treatment.

Is walking helpful for herniated disc pain?

Short walks are recommended to maintain mobility and decrease stiffness. If walking worsens leg pain, numbness, or weakness, stop and seek guidance.

Should I exercise with a herniated disc?

Exercises may help, as long as the activity and type are appropriate to your symptoms. A physical therapist can help determine which exercises may be appropriate and help you with those that aggravate your nerve.

How Long Does Treatment for a Herniated Disc Take?

Each individual is different, and some people can be helped with a few weeks of treatment, while others may need more time to recover.

Can herniated disc symptoms return?

Yes, particularly after repetitive strain and a sudden return to activity. To help prevent re-injury, strengthening, proper lifting technique, staying active, and gradually returning to more demanding activity may be appropriate.

Resource: my.clevelandclinic.org

Get Help for Back or Neck Pain

If your back pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness, or weakness are persistent or recurrent, they warrant professional evaluation. Peake Physical Therapy treats back and neck conditions in evidence-based physical therapy clinics throughout the Baltimore area. Contact Peake Physical Therapy to find out if physical therapy can help your symptoms from a slipped disc at your next free consultation.