Slip Disc / Sciatica

A slipped disc is when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out. It’s painful if it presses on nerves. It usually gets better slowly with rest, gentle exercise and painkillers.

Check if it’s a slipped disc

A slipped disc (also called a prolapsed or herniated disc) can cause:

• lower back pain
• numbness or tingling in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet
• neck pain
• problems bending or straightening your back
• muscle weakness
• pain in the buttocks, hips or legs if the disc is pressing on the sciatic nerve (sciatica)

Not all slipped discs cause symptoms. Many people will never know they have slipped a disc.