Quick answer: Most slipped discs get better on their own over a few weeks with gentle activity, pain relief and physiotherapy. Surgery is rarely needed. See an orthopaedic doctor if pain lasts several weeks, spreads down your leg with numbness or weakness, or stops you working. Loss of bladder or bowel control needs emergency care.
A slipped disc can turn simple things, such as bending to pick up a bag or riding a two-wheeler over bumpy roads, into a painful task. The good news is that most people recover without surgery. This guide explains the symptoms, simple back pain relief tips and the warning signs that mean you should see an orthopaedic doctor in Yelahanka.
Key takeaways
- A “slipped” disc does not actually slip. Its soft inner part bulges through a weak spot.
- Common slipped disc symptoms include lower back pain and pain, numbness or tingling down a leg (sciatica).
- Most cases improve within weeks with gentle exercise, pain relief and physiotherapy.
- Bed rest for long periods can slow recovery. Stay as active as pain allows.
- Numbness around the bottom or loss of bladder control is an emergency.
What is a slipped disc?
Between the bones of your spine are soft, spongy cushions called discs. They absorb shock and help your back move. A “slipped disc” is a common but inaccurate name. The disc does not move out of place. Instead, a weak area in its tough outer layer lets some of the soft, jelly-like centre bulge out. Doctors call this a herniated, prolapsed or protruded disc.
When this bulge presses on a nearby nerve, it can cause pain, numbness or weakness. The lower back is the most common site.
What are the symptoms of a slipped disc?
The NHS lists these common slipped disc symptoms:
- Lower back pain
- Numbness or tingling in the back, arms, hands, legs or feet
- Neck pain
- Difficulty bending or straightening your back
- Muscle weakness
- Pain in the buttocks, hips or legs if the disc presses on the sciatic nerve
Not every slipped disc causes symptoms. Some people only find out on a scan done for another reason.
What is sciatica, and is it linked to a slipped disc lower back problem?
Sciatica is nerve pain that runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg, sometimes to the foot. A slipped disc in the lower back is one of the most common causes. You may also feel pins and needles or numbness in the leg.
When is back pain an emergency?
Most back pain is not dangerous. But the NHS advises calling for emergency help if back pain comes with any of these:
| Warning sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Numbness around the bottom or genitals | Go to emergency immediately |
| Cannot pee, or cannot control pee or poo | Go to emergency immediately |
| Loss of feeling in one or both legs | Go to emergency immediately |
| Pain after a serious accident | Go to emergency immediately |
| Fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain worse at night | See a doctor soon |
What are the best back pain relief tips at home?
For a mild to moderate slipped disc, these steps help:
- Keep moving gently. Walking, swimming or simple stretches help more than lying in bed. Short rest of a day or two is fine for severe pain.
- Use heat. A hot water bag or heat pack on the lower back can ease muscle spasm.
- Take pain relief as advised. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medicine suits you.
- Avoid heavy lifting and long sitting. Get up and move every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Watch your posture on two-wheelers. Bumpy roads and long rides can aggravate disc pain.
The NHS notes that the type of exercise is not important as long as it does not cause pain or make your back pain worse.
How is a slipped disc treated?
Our backache and disc treatment at Naina Polyclinic follows a step-by-step approach:
- Examination: Diagnosis is usually made from your symptoms and a physical exam.
- Medicines: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines for a short period.
- Physiotherapy: Low-impact exercises to strengthen the muscles around the spine and ease nerve pressure. This is available at our Yelahanka New Town centre.
- Scans: An MRI may be advised if symptoms last more than about six weeks, or if a nerve seems affected.
- Injections or surgery: Only for severe cases, such as a large disc pressing on a nerve, or weakness that is getting worse.
Why see an orthopaedic doctor in Yelahanka for disc problems?
An orthopaedic doctor can rule out other causes, decide if you need a scan, and guide safe treatment. Dr. K.G. Shankarnarayan (MBBS, D.Orth) has treated backache and disc problems in Yelahanka since 1997. Patients from Yelahanka New Town, Yelahanka Old Town, Kogilu, Attur, Jakkur and Puttenahalli can see him at either of our centres.
Our slipped disc physiotherapy programme combines exercise with pain relief physiotherapy and interferential therapy. Our orthopaedic team can assess leg pain, numbness or weakness that comes with a disc problem.
Where is Naina Polyclinic in Yelahanka?
Naina Polyclinic has served families in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, since 1998 from two centres:
- Naina Polyclinic (Kogilu Road): 2, Kogilu Main Rd, Kondappa Garden Layout, Maruthi Nagar, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064. Phone: +91 88615 22910
- Naina Polyclinic & Physiotherapy Center (Yelahanka New Town): 2057, 13th B Cross Rd, MIG Sector B, Udaya Layout, Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064. Phone: +91 96637 44434
Dr. K.G. Shankarnarayan consults at the Kogilu Road clinic Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and at the Yelahanka New Town centre Monday to Saturday, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Physiotherapy runs Monday to Saturday, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the New Town centre. Full details are on our contact and appointments page.
Related reading: our guides on when to visit an orthopedic doctor in Yelahanka New Town and best physiotherapist in Yelahanka. You can also learn more about our backache and disc problem treatment at Naina Polyclinic.
Frequently asked questions
Can a slipped disc heal without surgery?
Yes, most slipped discs improve without surgery. With gentle activity, pain relief and physiotherapy, many people feel much better within a few weeks. Surgery is usually considered only when severe symptoms do not improve with other treatments, or when nerve weakness or numbness is getting worse.
What are the first symptoms of a slipped disc?
Early slipped disc symptoms often include lower back pain, stiffness when bending, and pain spreading into the buttock or leg. Some people feel tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg or foot. Symptoms can start suddenly after lifting or twisting, or build up slowly over time.
Should I rest in bed with a slipped disc?
Short rest for a day or two can help if pain is severe, but long bed rest can slow recovery. Doctors advise staying as active as pain allows, with gentle walking and simple stretches. Stop any activity that makes the pain much worse and ask your doctor for advice.
When should I get an MRI for back pain?
An MRI is not needed for most back pain. Your doctor may advise one if symptoms last more than about six weeks despite treatment, if a nerve seems affected, or if warning signs such as weakness or numbness appear. Your orthopaedic doctor will decide based on your examination.
Does physiotherapy help a slipped disc?
Yes. Physiotherapy uses low-impact exercises to strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improve movement and ease pressure on nerves. Naina Polyclinic offers slipped disc physiotherapy at our Yelahanka New Town centre, with our orthopaedic doctor consulting in the same building.
Book an appointment at Naina Polyclinic
Struggling with back or leg pain? Call us to see our orthopaedic doctor, or book through our contact page. Kogilu Road: +91 88615 22910. Yelahanka New Town: +91 96637 44434. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. K.G. Shankarnarayan (Shankarnarayan Kunigal), MBBS, D.Orth (Orthopaedics), Naina Polyclinic, Yelahanka. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own symptoms, tests and treatment.