Slipped disc

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.

Other causes of back pain

Sometimes the pain may be a result of an injury such as a sprain or strain but often there's no obvious reason.

Back pain is rarely caused by anything serious.

How you can ease the pain yourself

Keep active

If the pain is very bad, you may need to rest at first. But start gentle exercise as soon as you can – it will help you get better faster.

The type of exercise isn't important, just gradually increase your activity level.

Take painkillers

Alternate painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. Paracetamol on its own isn't recommended for back pain.

Take them regularly (up to the recommended daily amount) rather than just when the pain is particularly bad. This will help you to keep moving.

A pharmacist can help with a slipped disc

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen aren't suitable for everyone. Speak to a pharmacist if you're not sure.

There's some evidence that manual therapies like osteopathy can help ease lower back pain.

You'll usually have to pay for this treatment privately.

What causes slipped disc

They can happen because of:

• ageing
• exercising too hard
• lifting heavy objects the wrong way
• vibration – from driving or operating machinery
• being inactive or overweight

To help prevent slipped discs