Common questions about slipped discs and sciatica

Yes, in everyday speech. The disc is the flexible cushion between two vertebrae, and when people say they 'have a disc' they usually mean a slipped (herniated) disc: part of the disc bulges out and may press on or irritate a nearby nerve and cause pain. It can happen in the lower back or in the neck. 'Disc wear', on the other hand, usually means age-related changes in the discs, which are very common on the scans of people with no pain at all and become more common with age, so it does not necessarily mean there is a problem.

Read more: Disc herniation · Source: NHS — Slipped disc · Brinjikji W et al. (2015). Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 36(4):811–816

They are not the same thing, but they are closely linked. Sciatica is the name for the symptoms: pain that runs from the buttock down the back of the leg and may reach the foot, sometimes with tingling or numbness, caused by irritation of or pressure on a nerve in the lower back. A slipped disc is the most common cause of sciatica, but narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis), a slipped vertebra or a back injury can also cause it. And not every disc causes sciatica: some bulging discs cause no symptoms at all.

Read more: Sciatica, Disc herniation · Source: NHS — Sciatica · NHS — Slipped disc

The most common symptom is pain in the buttock and down the back of one leg, sometimes reaching the foot and toes, described as sharp or burning, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness. There may also be lower back pain, usually milder than the leg pain, and difficulty bending or straightening up. The pain may get worse when you move, sneeze or cough, and it can start suddenly or gradually. A slipped disc is usually recognised from your symptoms and an examination, and not everyone needs a scan. Sciatica in both legs, numbness around the buttocks or genitals, or a new problem passing urine or stool is an emergency (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Read more: Disc herniation, Sciatica · Source: NHS — Sciatica · NHS — Slipped disc

Genes play a part, but they are not the only cause. Twin studies suggest that genes have a large influence on how the discs change with age. Even so, a slipped disc usually results from several factors: getting older, lifting heavy objects the wrong way or exercising too hard, sitting or driving for long periods, being inactive or overweight, and smoking, which weakens the disc tissue. A relative having a disc problem does not mean you will definitely get one, and regular activity and exercise are still good for your back.

Read more: Disc herniation · Source: Battié MC et al. (2009). The Twin Spine Study: contributions to a changing view of disc degeneration. Spine J 9(1):47–59 · NHS — Slipped disc

No. The Arabic name comes from 'al-nasa', the old Arabic name for the nerve that runs from the hip down the leg; it has nothing to do with the Arabic word for women. Sciatica affects both men and women, and a slipped disc, its most common cause, is actually reported more often in men. Treatment follows the same principles for everyone. In pregnancy, back and pelvic pain are common, and suitable exercise may help, with the plan adapted to the pregnancy; but back pain in pregnancy with bleeding or fluid leaking from the vagina, severe tummy pain or a fever needs the hospital or a doctor straight away. At Revibe a female physiotherapist is available on request.

Read more: Female physiotherapist, Pregnancy back pain · Source: Stretanski MF, Hu Y, Mesfin FB (2025). Disk Herniation. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf · Liddle SD, Pennick V. (2015). Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.

Yes, this is common. The nerves that leave the lower back run down to the buttocks, legs and feet, so if a disc irritates one of them you may feel pain, tingling or numbness along its path, usually in one leg and sometimes reaching the foot and toes. The leg pain may be worse than the back pain. Leg or foot weakness that is getting worse needs a doctor the same day, and severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs, or numbness around the buttocks or between the thighs, is an emergency (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Read more: Sciatica · Source: NHS — Sciatica · NHS — Slipped disc

It can. Disc and sciatica pain is usually felt in the buttock, the hip area and the back of the thigh, and it may pass behind or around the knee on its way down the leg, often with back pain or tingling. Pain centred inside the knee or hip joint, with swelling, stiffness or pain when you move that joint, more often comes from the joint itself, such as osteoarthritis or a ligament or cartilage injury, and the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis can cause similar buttock pain. An examination tells them apart before treatment starts. See a doctor the same day if the joint is hot and swollen with a fever, or you cannot put weight on it.

Read more: Knee pain, Sacroiliac joint pain · Source: NHS — Slipped disc · NHS — Knee pain

A disc in the lower back does not usually cause dizziness. Dizziness has other, more common causes, such as inner-ear problems, a drop in blood pressure when you stand up, migraine, not drinking enough fluids, or side effects of some medicines, so tell your doctor if the dizziness started with a new medicine. See a doctor if the dizziness keeps coming back or does not go away. Sudden dizziness with weakness or numbness on one side of the body, a drooping face or difficulty speaking is an emergency (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Source: NHS — Dizziness · NHS — Symptoms of a stroke

It can affect either side, depending on where the nerve is irritated, and the side does not change how serious it is or how it is treated; it usually affects one leg. Sciatica in both legs, or severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs, is an emergency (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan). A different, slowly developing picture in older adults, with heavy or aching legs on walking or standing that ease when sitting or bending forward, may come from spinal stenosis and needs an assessment; if it comes with worsening weakness, numbness around the buttocks or a new problem passing urine or stool, go to the emergency department.

Read more: Spinal stenosis, Sciatica · Source: NHS — Sciatica · Lurie J, Tomkins-Lane C (2016). Management of lumbar spinal stenosis. BMJ 352:h6234

Not usually. Disc pain is usually felt in the lower back, buttocks and leg, while tummy pain has other, more common causes, such as trapped wind, indigestion, constipation or a stomach bug, and pain in the side that spreads to the groin with pain when peeing may be a kidney stone. So tummy pain needs a doctor's assessment. Go to the emergency department straight away if severe tummy pain starts suddenly, or comes with vomiting blood, black stools or being unable to pee (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Source: NHS — Stomach ache · NHS — Slipped disc

A typical slipped disc does not usually affect erections directly. Occasional erection problems are common, usually from stress, tiredness, alcohol or some medicines; if they keep happening they may be linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety or depression, so see a doctor. But if you have back pain or sciatica and notice a new change in erections or in feeling in the genitals during sex, especially with numbness around the buttocks or between the thighs or a new problem passing urine or stool, it can be a sign of severe pressure on the nerves in the lower back: go to the emergency department straight away (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Source: NHS — Erectile dysfunction (impotence) · Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust — Cauda equina syndrome (patient information leaflet)

A disc in the lower back does not usually affect the hands, because its nerves run to the legs. Arm pain or tingling in the hand may come from a disc in the neck pressing on a nerve root, or from a nerve squeezed at the wrist, as in carpal tunnel syndrome, and an examination shows which. See a doctor the same day if you notice hand weakness that is getting worse, difficulty with fine hand movements such as doing up buttons, or unsteady walking. With a new problem controlling urine or stool, or new weakness in both legs, go to the emergency department straight away (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Read more: Neck disc and pinched nerve, Carpal tunnel · Source: NHS — Slipped disc · McCartney S, Baskerville R, Blagg S, McCartney D (2018). Cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy: diagnosis and management in primary care. Br J Gen Pract 68(666):44–46

It is not one of its usual symptoms: sciatica usually causes pain, tingling, numbness and sometimes weakness in the leg, not swelling. So a swollen foot or leg needs a doctor to find the cause. If the swelling is in one leg, especially with throbbing pain in the calf or thigh, or red, blue or darkened skin, it could be a blood clot in a vein: see a doctor the same day. With shortness of breath or chest pain, go to the emergency department straight away (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Source: NHS — DVT (deep vein thrombosis) · NHS — Sciatica

In most cases, no. A slipped disc is painful and worrying, but it usually improves gradually with time, movement and the right care, and most people do not need an operation. Real danger is rare, and it has warning signs: numbness around the buttocks, between the thighs or the genitals, a new problem passing urine or stool, sciatica in both legs, or loss of feeling in one or both legs. This is an emergency (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan). Leg weakness that is getting worse, or foot drop, needs a doctor the same day.

Read more: Disc herniation · Source: NHS — Slipped disc · Stretanski MF, Hu Y, Mesfin FB (2025). Disk Herniation. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf

Yes. Most people improve without surgery, even when the disc is pressing on a nerve, and whatever the level, including the common one between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Treatment usually starts with clear information, staying active and an exercise programme, with manual therapy as part of a plan that includes exercise, and physiotherapy helps ease pain and restore movement and strength. Medicines and injections are the doctor's decision, and an operation is discussed with a surgeon if the pain does not improve despite appropriate treatment, or if weakness is getting worse.

Read more: Disc herniation · Source: NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s · Stretanski MF, Hu Y, Mesfin FB (2025). Disk Herniation. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf

It often improves on its own. Studies show that the bulging part of the disc can shrink by itself, sometimes disappearing completely, and in most people symptoms settle within weeks to months. But do not wait if your leg is getting weaker: see a doctor the same day. Nobody can promise a 'permanent fix': some people still have back pain for longer, or get flare-ups later, and this does not mean the condition has got worse. Staying active and exercising regularly help you manage any later flare-up.

Read more: Disc herniation · Source: Chiu CC et al. (2015). The probability of spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc: a systematic review. Clin Rehabil 29(2):184–195 · Stretanski MF, Hu Y, Mesfin FB (2025). Disk Herniation. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf

Usually not, even though the pain can be severe. Sciatica usually gets better within a few weeks to a few months, and moving despite the pain is not usually harmful and may help you recover. What needs attention is weakness: if the front of your foot starts to slap down or catch when you walk (foot drop), or your leg is getting weaker, see a doctor the same day. If sciatica appears in both legs, or you have numbness around the buttocks or genitals, or a new problem passing urine or stool, go to the emergency department straight away (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Read more: Sciatica · Source: NHS — Sciatica · Stretanski MF, Hu Y, Mesfin FB (2025). Disk Herniation. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf

It can be treated, and for most people it does not become chronic. It usually gets better within a few weeks to a few months, though it can last longer for some. Treatment is based on carrying on with daily activities as much as possible, exercises and stretches, and physiotherapy, including manual therapy within an exercise plan, while avoiding sitting or lying down for long periods. If the pain stays severe despite this, a doctor may discuss an injection such as an epidural, or in some cases an operation to take pressure off the nerve.

Read more: Sciatica · Source: NHS — Sciatica · NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s

Yes, in most cases, and it is among the first things the guidelines recommend. Its main benefit is helping you move with confidence: exercises suited to your condition, manual therapy within a plan that includes exercise to ease the pain, and advice on sitting, work and sleep. Physiotherapy does not 'put the disc back', but it helps calm the irritated nerve and restore movement and strength. The guidelines advise against some machine-based treatments, such as traction, ultrasound and electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Read more: Disc herniation, Sciatica · Source: NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s · George SZ et al. (2021). Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 51(11):CPG1–CPG60

It depends on your condition, its stage and how long you have had it, so there is no fixed number that suits everyone. Sciatica usually gets better within a few weeks to a few months, though it can take longer for some people. Sessions are usually closer together at first and then spaced out as you progress with your home exercise programme. After the first assessment we explain the plan and the expected number of sessions, and review it as you improve. If you do not improve as expected, or a worrying sign appears, we refer you to a doctor.

Read more: Your first session, Sciatica · Source: NHS — Sciatica · NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s

At Revibe we start with an assessment: we listen to your story, examine your back movement, nerves and strength, and check for warning signs. Then we explain what is going on and agree a plan that usually combines gradual exercises, such as movements that ease the leg pain, trunk strengthening and walking, with manual therapy and gentle mobilisation of the joints and nerves when needed, plus practical advice for your work and day. We progress the exercises step by step with a home programme, adjust the plan to how you respond, and refer you to a doctor if anything needs it.

Read more: Your first session, Manual therapy · Source: George SZ et al. (2021). Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 51(11):CPG1–CPG60 · NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s

Carry on with your daily activities and work as much as you can, start gentle movement such as short walks as soon as possible, and avoid sitting or lying down for long periods: moving despite the pain is not usually harmful. Heat packs may help, and ask a pharmacist or doctor which painkiller suits you. If the pain has not improved within a few weeks, is getting worse or stops your normal activities, see a doctor or a physiotherapist; if getting to the clinic is hard, Revibe offers home visits. With numbness around the buttocks or a new problem passing urine or stool, go to the emergency department straight away (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Read more: Home physiotherapy, Sciatica · Source: NHS — Sciatica · NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s

There is no single best exercise for everyone; the best is the one that suits your condition, built up gradually. A plan usually includes walking and daily movement, trunk strengthening and endurance exercises, sometimes repeated movements in one direction that ease the leg pain or make it retreat towards the back, and gentle movement exercises for the back and hips. Mild discomfort during exercise is fine, but stop any exercise that clearly increases leg pain or tingling and ask your physiotherapist. As you improve, you can return gradually to sport and the gym.

Read more: Disc herniation · Source: George SZ et al. (2021). Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 51(11):CPG1–CPG60 · NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s

There is no way to prevent it completely, but you can lower the chances and protect your back. The strongest evidence is for regular exercise, especially combined with learning how to look after your back, which reduces episodes of low back pain. You can also help your back by staying active, lifting heavy things safely, avoiding long periods of sitting without moving, keeping a healthy weight and not smoking. Back belts and shoe insoles do not seem to prevent back pain.

Read more: Back pain · Source: Steffens D et al. (2016). Prevention of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med 176(2):199–208 · NHS — Slipped disc

Usually not. The UK guidelines (NICE) advise against back belts or corsets for treating low back pain, with or without sciatica, and a review of the evidence suggests they do not prevent episodes of back pain either. What helps more is staying active and carrying on with your daily activities as much as you can, with an exercise programme that gradually strengthens your trunk muscles. If a doctor asks you to wear a brace for a specific reason, such as after some operations or fractures, follow their advice.

Read more: Disc herniation · Source: NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s · Steffens D et al. (2016). Prevention of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med 176(2):199–208

They do not treat the disc itself or its pressure on the nerve. The UK guidelines (NICE) advise against acupuncture for back pain and sciatica, there is no strong evidence that dry needling treats sciatica, and most research on cupping is of low quality, with any benefit for pain uncertain. When we treat sciatica or a disc problem at Revibe, we may use one of them only if the assessment shows tight muscles or muscle knots in the back or buttocks that add to the pain, and always as a small part of a plan based on movement and exercise, never instead of it.

Read more: Dry needling, Cupping · Source: NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s · NCCIH — Cupping

It may help as part of a plan, not on its own. The guidelines recommend manual therapy, including soft-tissue techniques such as massage, but only within a plan that includes exercise, as it may ease muscle tightness and pain for a while and make moving easier. Suitable massage does not usually harm a disc, but it does not 'put it back' either. Tell the therapist if the pain increases or spreads down your leg during the massage, and avoid strong pressure on a very painful area without an assessment.

Read more: Sports massage, Manual therapy · Source: NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s · NHS — Sciatica

No treatment puts a disc back or frees a nerve in seconds, however convincing some videos look; a disc usually improves slowly with time, movement and exercise. Some herbal products, such as certain creams or plasters, have been studied for back pain, with evidence of very low to moderate quality and only over short periods, and no herb has been shown to treat the disc itself. Herbs can have side effects and their long-term safety is unproven, so ask your doctor or pharmacist before using them, especially if you take other medicines.

Read more: Disc herniation, Sciatica · Source: Oltean H et al. (2014). Herbal medicine for low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (12):CD004504 · NHS — Slipped disc

No. A normal X-ray shows the bones, not the disc or its pressure on a nerve; an MRI scan is the test that shows them. But most people do not need a scan at first, because the diagnosis rests on your symptoms and an examination, and a scan often would not change the treatment. A doctor usually requests an MRI if there are warning signs, if symptoms do not improve despite treatment, or when an injection or an operation is being considered.

Read more: Disc herniation · Source: Stretanski MF, Hu Y, Mesfin FB (2025). Disk Herniation. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf · NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s

Every operation has risks, but serious complications of disc surgery are uncommon. The main ones include a leak of spinal fluid, nerve damage, or back pain that continues after the operation, and the surgeon explains the expected benefit and the risks in your case before you decide. For the right person, surgery can help relieve sciatica, and afterwards rehabilitation with physiotherapy helps you return gradually to walking, work and activity. If new leg pain, weakness or numbness, or a problem controlling urine or stools, appears after the operation, contact your surgeon or go to the emergency department straight away (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Read more: Post-surgery rehab · Source: NHS — Lumbar decompression surgery · NHS — Sciatica

Usually not; most people improve without surgery. A spine surgeon may discuss an operation to take pressure off the nerve if leg pain continues despite non-surgical treatment and the scan matches your symptoms, or sooner if weakness or numbness is getting worse, and the decision is shared between you and the surgeon. A doctor may also suggest an epidural injection for acute, severe sciatica. Numbness around the buttocks or a new problem with urine or stools is an emergency: go to the emergency department straight away (911 in Jordan, 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan).

Read more: Disc herniation, Post-surgery rehab · Source: NICE NG59 — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s · NHS — Slipped disc