A slipped disc is a common injury of the spine. It is also known as a herniated disc. It occurs when the outer wall of an intervertebral disc is weakened or damaged, allowing the inner material to herniate out of the disc and press on surrounding nerves or tissue. Symptoms of a slipped disc can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount of disc material that is herniated and how it is pressing on the surrounding tissues.
The most common symptom of a slipped disc is lower back pain. This pain can be felt in one or both legs and may be worse when sitting or standing. It can also be accompanied by a numbness or tingling sensation in the area of the herniated disc. If the slipped disc is pressing on a nerve root, it can also cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the area of the body that the nerve root supplies.
Other symptoms of a slipped disc include muscle weakness, tenderness, and spasms. It can also cause difficulty walking or standing, as well as a loss of bladder or bowel control. In some cases, a slipped disc can lead to sciatica, which is a sharp shooting pain down one or both legs.
Treatment for a slipped disc usually involves rest and pain relief medications. In some cases, physical therapy or surgery may be necessary to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, a slipped disc can be very painful and debilitating, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.