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The Beyond Pain Foundation

Conditions we support

Conditions guide

Slipped disc

A slipped disc is when one of the soft cushions between the bones of your spine bulges out and presses on a nerve. It is also called a herniated or prolapsed disc. It can be very painful, but most people get better without surgery. This guide explains the symptoms, how long recovery takes, the treatments available in the UK, and your rights at work.

Most common between ages
30 and 50
Men compared with women
About twice as common
Better within 4 weeks
About 3 in 4
People who recover without surgery
About 9 in 10

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.

What a slipped disc is

Your spine is made of bones called vertebrae. Between them are discs: tough rings with a soft, jelly-like centre. They cushion the bones and let your spine bend.

A disc doesn't actually slip. Instead, part of the soft centre pushes out through a weak spot in the outer ring. If it presses on or inflames a nearby nerve, it causes pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Not every bulging disc causes symptoms. Many people have one on a scan and feel nothing.

It is most common in people aged 30 to 50, and about twice as many men as women are affected. It is rare under the age of 20. It is more likely with age, heavy lifting or twisting, sitting or driving for long periods, not being active, carrying extra weight and smoking.

Only around 1 in 20 cases of back pain are caused by a slipped disc.

Types

Slipped discs are described by where they happen and how far the disc has bulged.

Lower back (lumbar)

By far the most common place. It often causes sciatica: pain, tingling or numbness down one leg.

Neck (cervical)

Can cause neck pain with pain, tingling or weakness in the shoulder, arm or hand.

Upper back (thoracic)

Rare. It can cause pain around the chest or upper back.

Disc bulge

The disc pushes out evenly over a wider area. Very common with age and often causes no symptoms.

Protrusion or extrusion

The soft centre pushes further out through the outer ring. These terms may appear on an MRI report.

Sequestration

A piece of disc breaks off. Surprisingly, these often shrink back more quickly as the body clears them away.

Symptoms and recovery time

Symptoms depend on where the disc is and which nerve it affects. You may have:

  • Lower back or neck pain
  • Pain in the buttock, hip or leg
  • Pain in the shoulder or arm
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Trouble bending or straightening
  • Pain worse when coughing or sneezing

Most slipped discs get better slowly with gentle activity and painkillers. Over time the bulge often shrinks and the inflammation settles.

  1. Within 10 days

    Early improvement

    About half of people start to feel better.

  2. Within 4 weeks

    Getting better

    About 3 in 4 people have recovered or are much better.

  3. Within 6 weeks

    Most people better

    About 9 in 10 people are better. If you aren't, ask your GP about a review.

  4. After 6 to 12 weeks

    Still severe

    A small number still have severe pain. A specialist may discuss an injection or surgery.

Timings are typical ranges, not exact rules. Numbness can take longer to settle than pain.

When to get urgent help

A large disc in the lower back can rarely squeeze the bundle of nerves at the bottom of the spine. This is called cauda equina syndrome. It is an emergency, because treatment needs to happen quickly to avoid lasting damage. Don't drive yourself to A&E.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have

  • numbness around your genitals or bottom, such as not feeling toilet paper when you wipe
  • difficulty peeing, or can't pee
  • loss of control of your bladder or bowels
  • numbness or weakness in both legs
  • symptoms after a serious accident, such as a fall or car crash
  • with a neck disc: new trouble walking, clumsy hands or weakness in both arms

Call NHS 111 or your GP urgently if

  • weakness in your arm, leg or foot is getting worse
  • you have a high temperature with back pain
  • the pain is too severe to manage at home

See your GP if

  • painkillers aren't helping
  • the pain hasn't improved after a few weeks
  • it stops you doing everyday things
  • you have lost weight without trying, or there is swelling on your back

Diagnosis and referral

A GP or physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They test the movement, strength, feeling and reflexes in your arms or legs. This helps them work out which disc is affected.

A scan isn't usually needed at first. If symptoms don't improve, or a specialist is thinking about injections or surgery, you may have an MRI scan. MRI shows discs and nerves clearly. X-rays can't show discs.

Remember that MRI often shows disc changes in people with no pain. Your doctor will look at whether the scan matches your symptoms.

If pain is severe or not improving, your GP may refer you to physiotherapy, a community musculoskeletal (MSK) service, or a hospital spinal team.

You can often see a physio without your GP

In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy. Many GP surgeries in England also have a first contact physiotherapist you can book through reception. Check get NHS help for back or joint problems for your area.

Treatments and medicines

Staying active is one of the most important treatments. Rest in bed for more than a day or two can slow recovery.

Exercise and physiotherapy

NHS physio, self-referral or GP referral

A physio can give you exercises to ease pain and get you moving. Walking, swimming and yoga can help. Manual therapy such as massage may help alongside exercise.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs)

Ibuprofen from a pharmacy. Naproxen and others on prescription

The NHS suggests taking these regularly rather than only when pain is bad, for a short time. They aren't suitable for everyone, so check with a pharmacist first. Paracetamol on its own isn't recommended for back pain.

Stronger painkillers

Prescription

A GP may prescribe a weak opioid such as codeine for a short time if anti-inflammatories can't be taken or haven't worked. They can cause drowsiness, constipation and dependence, so they aren't for long-term use.

Muscle relaxants

Prescription, short term only

The NHS mentions these for short-term muscle spasm. Note that NICE advises against benzodiazepines such as diazepam for sciatica caused by a disc.

Nerve pain medicines

Prescription only

If nerve pain lasts, a doctor may suggest a medicine such as amitriptyline or duloxetine. NICE advises against gabapentin and pregabalin for sciatica, and against steroid tablets.

Osteopathy or chiropractic

Usually private

There is some evidence that manual therapy helps, as part of a plan that includes exercise. Choose a practitioner registered with the General Osteopathic Council or General Chiropractic Council.

Don't stop medicines suddenly

If you have been taking opioids, gabapentin, pregabalin or diazepam for a while, don't stop on your own. Some need to be reduced slowly. Ask your GP or pharmacist to review them with you.

Injections and surgery

Surgery isn't usually needed. Your GP may refer you to a specialist if your symptoms haven't improved with other treatment, or if you have worsening weakness or numbness.

  1. Epidural steroid injection

    Relief can take a few weeks, and lasts days to months

    A local anaesthetic and steroid injected near the nerve. NICE says it can be considered for new and severe sciatica. It can ease pain enough for you to do your exercises. It doesn't work for everyone.

  2. Microdiscectomy

    Often a day case or 1 to 2 nights. Light work after 2 to 4 weeks

    The surgeon removes the part of the disc pressing on the nerve, through a small cut using a microscope. Around 75 to 90 in 100 people get good relief from leg pain. Back pain may not change much. Driving is usually possible after 2 to 3 weeks, once you can control the car safely.

    Risks: about 5 to 10 in 100 people have the disc slip again. There is also a small risk of infection, a tear in the lining around the nerves, blood clots and, rarely, nerve damage.

  3. Lumbar decompression

    Back to work after about 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery up to 12 weeks

    Removing some bone (laminectomy) and sometimes disc to make more room for the nerves. You usually stay in hospital for 2 to 5 days. Heavy manual work may take longer to return to.

Studies show that in the long run, people who have surgery and people who don't often end up with similar results. Surgery can work faster for severe leg pain. Talk through the benefits and risks for you with your surgeon.

Self-help and living well

In the first few weeks

  • Keep moving gently, even short walks around the house
  • Change position often. Avoid sitting for long
  • Use a heat pack, or a wrapped ice pack
  • Take painkillers as advised so you can keep moving
  • Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees

Longer term

  • Keep up your exercises, even when you feel better
  • Build up lifting and sport slowly
  • Bend your knees and keep loads close when lifting
  • Aim for a healthy weight and stop smoking if you can
  • Look after your mood and sleep. Ask for help if you feel low

Tips for getting the best treatment

Keep a symptom diary

  • Score your pain from 0 to 10 each day, separately for back or neck and for leg or arm
  • Note any numbness, tingling or weakness, and whether it is getting better or worse
  • Record which medicines you take and how well they work
  • Track how long you can sit, stand and walk

Questions to ask

  • Can I refer myself to a physiotherapist?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to A&E?
  • Do I need a scan, and would it change my treatment?
  • If I'm not improving, when should I be referred to a spinal specialist?
  • What are the benefits and risks of an injection or surgery for me?
  • Can I have a fit note suggesting changes at work?

You can ask for a second opinion before agreeing to surgery. In England you usually have the right to choose which hospital you are referred to.

A slipped disc and work

Many people can keep working, or go back early, with some changes. A fit note from your GP or physio can say you may be fit for work with adjustments.

If symptoms last a long time or keep coming back, they can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland). This applies if they have a substantial (more than minor) effect on daily life and have lasted, or are likely to last, at least 12 months.

If so, your employer must make reasonable adjustments. These might include:

  • A sit-stand desk or desk converter
  • An ergonomic chair with lumbar support
  • A monitor arm or laptop stand at eye level
  • A headset instead of holding a phone
  • Less lifting, or lifting aids
  • Regular breaks to move
  • Flexible hours or working from home
  • A phased return after surgery

Access to Work is a government grant that can pay for specialist equipment and support at work. For advice on your rights, contact Acas or Citizens Advice.

Benefits

If you are off work, you may get Statutory Sick Pay from your employer for up to 28 weeks. If your condition makes everyday tasks or getting around hard over the long term, you may get Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland. If you can't work, check Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit. Turn2us and Citizens Advice can help you check.

How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help

If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need isn't available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:

  • A course of private physiotherapy or osteopathy
  • A private consultation with a spinal specialist, or a private MRI scan your doctor has asked for
  • Rehabilitation sessions after surgery, such as physio or hydrotherapy
  • A sit-stand desk, ergonomic chair or other workstation equipment
  • Aids that make daily tasks easier while you recover

We fund treatment from registered practitioners. We can't pay for things you have already bought, debts or everyday living costs. Prices vary, so always get a written quote to include with your application.

Apply for funding Check the requirements

Support and sources

Arthritis UK

Charity (formerly Versus Arthritis)

Free helpline 0800 5200 520, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Information on back pain and slipped discs.

arthritis-uk.org

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Professional body

Back pain advice, exercise videos, and how to find a registered physiotherapist on the NHS or privately.

csp.org.uk
Sources for this guide

Last reviewed: October 2026.