A slipped disc, or herniated disc, is when part of the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out through its tougher outer layer. In the lower back this can irritate a nearby nerve and cause sciatica. Discs do not actually 'slip', and many herniations shrink on their own over time.
Also known as slipped disc, herniated disc, prolapsed disc, disc bulge, lumbar disc herniation
Symptoms
- Low back pain, which may come on suddenly
- Leg pain (sciatica) that can be worse than the back pain
- Pins and needles or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain that is worse with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing
- Weakness in the leg or foot in some cases
Causes and risk factors
- Age-related changes in the disc that make the outer layer less resilient
- Bending and lifting, especially when combined with twisting – although many herniations happen without a clear trigger
- Genetics, which play an important role in disc health
- Smoking, higher body weight and some physically demanding jobs
What the evidence says helps
- A systematic review found that herniated disc material often shrinks naturally without surgery. This was most likely with larger extrusions and sequestrations, and less likely with simple bulges.2
- NICE guidance recommends advice, reassurance and staying active as the starting point, with manual therapy considered only as part of a package that includes exercise.1
- Because disc bulges are common in people without pain, scan findings must be matched with your symptoms. NICE advises against routine imaging in non-specialist settings.13
- In a major trial of people with sciatica from a disc, early surgery gave faster leg pain relief than prolonged non-surgical care, but outcomes were similar after one year.4
- Across trials, discectomy reduced leg pain more than non-surgical care in the short term, but this benefit became small by 12 months. Surgery may suit people who value faster relief and accept its risks.5
Things you can try at home
- Keep gently active – walking is often well tolerated
- Break up sitting with short movement breaks
- Find positions that ease leg pain and use them to rest when needed
- Return to lifting and sport gradually, building strength as symptoms settle
- Watch for changes in numbness, weakness or bladder and bowel function
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Numbness around your genitals, bottom or inner thighs – go to A&E or call 999 immediately
- New problems passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowels – go to A&E or call 999 immediately
- Pain, numbness or weakness in both legs – go to A&E or call 999
- Rapidly worsening weakness in a leg or foot – contact your GP urgently or NHS 111
- Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer – see your GP urgently
How Apollo can help
We take a detailed history and examine your nerves, strength and movement to understand how a disc may be contributing to your symptoms. We explain what is happening, help you stay active, and build a graded exercise and load-management plan, with hands-on care as part of this where suitable. If surgery is being considered, we offer prehab and post-operative rehabilitation, and we liaise with your GP if specialist review is needed.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Can a slipped disc heal on its own?
Often, yes. Research shows that herniated disc material frequently shrinks over time without surgery, and symptoms commonly improve as it does. Larger herniations are actually more likely to reabsorb.
Is a disc bulge on my MRI the cause of my pain?
Not necessarily. Disc bulges are very common in people with no pain at all, especially as we age. A clinician needs to match scan findings with your symptoms and examination.
Should I avoid bending with a herniated disc?
You do not need to avoid bending forever. Early on, you may need to limit movements that strongly flare leg pain. As symptoms settle, gradually reintroducing bending and lifting helps you get back to normal.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2016, updated 2026). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59). NICE. View source
- Chiu CC et al. (2015). The probability of spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc: a systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation. View source
- Brinjikji W et al. (2015). Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. American Journal of Neuroradiology. View source
- Peul WC et al. (2007). Surgery versus prolonged conservative treatment for sciatica. New England Journal of Medicine. View source
- Liu C et al. (2023). Surgical versus non-surgical treatment for sciatica: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
