What a slipped disc is

Slipped disc

A slipped disc, also called a herniated disc, is when one of the soft cushions between the spine bones bulges out. If it presses on a nearby nerve, it can cause pain.

The pain is often in the back and may travel into an arm or leg, sometimes with tingling or weakness.

This matters because it can limit bending, lifting and sitting, and make everyday tasks sore.

Most slipped discs improve over weeks to months without surgery. Physiotherapy does not push the disc back in, but it helps ease symptoms and rebuild safe movement.

At home our physiotherapist guides gentle exercise, better posture, and safer ways to move and lift. We progress carefully, and if there are warning signs like severe weakness or loss of bladder control, we advise urgent medical review.