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SLIPPED DISC AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we understand how debilitating back pain can be, which is why we provide fast access to our state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging technology to ensure you get a rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Our dedicated spinal team comprises leading orthopaedic consultants and surgeons, whose experience means they’re able to tailor every aspect of your care to your specific needs, no matter how complex. We offer a wide range of treatments for slipped discs, from spinal injections and physiotherapy to the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures.
In our 2024 patient satisfaction survey, 97% of spinal patients were likely to recommend us to their family and friends. It’s this trusted expertise that make us No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care.
Our dedicated spinal team comprises leading orthopaedic consultants and surgeons, whose experience means they’re able to tailor every aspect of your care to your specific needs, no matter how complex. We offer a wide range of treatments for slipped discs, from spinal injections and physiotherapy to the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures.
In our 2024 patient satisfaction survey, 97% of spinal patients were likely to recommend us to their family and friends. It’s this trusted expertise that make us No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care.
Spinal discs hold the bones (vertebrae) of the spine together. There are 23 in total, one between each vertebra.
The discs have a tough outer part made of collagen fibres and a softer, gel-like core. The core aids the spine's mobility while also acting as a shock absorber, taking some of the impact away from the spine when you jump or run.
The discs have a tough outer part made of collagen fibres and a softer, gel-like core. The core aids the spine's mobility while also acting as a shock absorber, taking some of the impact away from the spine when you jump or run.
The discs in the spine typically begin to wear (degenerate) as you age. The tough outer part of the disc is most affected by degeneration. It loses its elasticity and strength, and can bulge or tear when put under strain. When this happens, it’s called a slipped disc.
This process may go completely unnoticed in some people, but if the slipped disc presses on a nerve in the spine, it's likely to cause pain in the back and legs among other symptoms. Types of slipped disc include:
This process may go completely unnoticed in some people, but if the slipped disc presses on a nerve in the spine, it's likely to cause pain in the back and legs among other symptoms. Types of slipped disc include:
- Bulging disc: Whether through degeneration or an impact through the spine, the outer part of the disc can become compressed and swell. If this movement interferes with the nerves in your spine, it’s likely that you’ll feel pain and discomfort. Most cases of bulging discs self-heal with a period of rest and gentle activity.
- Herniated disc: Also referred to as a prolapsed disc, this condition involves the tough outer wall of your disc tearing and the gel-like core leaking into the spinal canal and interfering with the spinal nerves. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the protruding part of the disc.
Discs degenerate naturally as we get older and most people in their fifties or sixties will have some kind of wear and tear to their discs. You’re at an increased risk of a slipped disc, or more intense symptoms, if the following apply:
- You’re overweight: Being overweight puts excess strain on your joints and through your spine, increasing the pressure on your discs and making them more likely to bulge or tear. A poor diet may also accelerate the natural breakdown of the discs.
- You have poor posture: If your job involves sitting for long periods, you may be at higher risk of a slipped disc if you don’t use a chair with lumbar support. Chairs without lumbar support can interrupt the spine's natural curve, potentially leading to back pain and discomfort.
- You lift heavy objects: Straining the muscles in your back to lift heavy items can cause the discs to bulge and potentially rupture if you're not able to properly lift the weight or do so using a poor technique that overloads your spine.
- You’ve suffered trauma to your back: A sudden impact that affects your spine may cause excessive twisting or jolting that can rupture the discs or make them inflamed.
Not every slipped disc causes symptoms. In fact, you may only discover you have one after having an MRI scan for an unrelated reason. Most herniated discs occur in your lower back (lumbar spine), although they can also occur in your neck (cervical spine) and middle back (thoracic spine).
The vertebrae and discs are assigned letters and numbers based on their location in the spine. There are four sections of the spine:
- Cervical spine: The first seven vertebrae, which are in the neck.
- Thoracic spine: A group of 12 vertebrae that sit in the chest area.
- Lumbar spine: The five vertebrae in your lower back. Most slipped discs occur in this section.
- Sacral spine: The five vertebrae that are found below the waist. The tailbone (coccyx) is located here.
If you’ve tried resting your back and taking pain medication and you’re still experiencing pain and discomfort, then it’s a good idea to see a specialist. Our spinal consultants can diagnose your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
Unexplainable tingling and pain in your arms or legs could be a sign of a herniated disc that requires treatment, as can struggling to stand or walk. Other signs that you should seek help for include a loss of bladder or bowel control, as, in rare cases, this can be caused by a slipped disc.
Back pain can be caused by a slipped disc. If you experience severe back pain and can’t move, emergency treatment at A&E should be your first point of medical help.
If you experience a numb feeling in your genitals, weakness in both legs and loss of bladder and bowel control, you should call 999 or go to A&E right away. These are signs of a rare but serious condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). This occurs when the nerves in your lower back become suddenly and severely compressed, requiring emergency treatment.
Unexplainable tingling and pain in your arms or legs could be a sign of a herniated disc that requires treatment, as can struggling to stand or walk. Other signs that you should seek help for include a loss of bladder or bowel control, as, in rare cases, this can be caused by a slipped disc.
Back pain can be caused by a slipped disc. If you experience severe back pain and can’t move, emergency treatment at A&E should be your first point of medical help.
If you experience a numb feeling in your genitals, weakness in both legs and loss of bladder and bowel control, you should call 999 or go to A&E right away. These are signs of a rare but serious condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). This occurs when the nerves in your lower back become suddenly and severely compressed, requiring emergency treatment.
When you meet with your chosen consultant, they’ll go through your medical history and ask you about your lifestyle. They'll also conduct a physical examination of your back, in which they’ll very gently manipulate your spine into different positions to help find the source of your pain.
You may need to have an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan to help to rule out other conditions, as well as pinpoint the affected disc.
A discography may also be recommended to look at the disc in more detail. This involves injecting a dye, visible under X-ray, into your disc to see if and how it moves. If you require a discography, you'll be sedated during the procedure so you won’t feel any pain.
You may need to have an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan to help to rule out other conditions, as well as pinpoint the affected disc.
A discography may also be recommended to look at the disc in more detail. This involves injecting a dye, visible under X-ray, into your disc to see if and how it moves. If you require a discography, you'll be sedated during the procedure so you won’t feel any pain.
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Worried about the pain in your back?
Get in touch and book a same- or next-day GP appointment.
Have a referral and need to book?
If you already have a referral letter, it couldn’t be simpler. You can book a test or treatment directly.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?
We’re happy to help. Just book in and one of our consultants will talk you through everything you need to know.
SLIPPED DISC SCANS AT HCA UK
A diagnosis you can trust
At HCA UK, our leading private hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology, so you’ll get an accurate diagnosis, with results delivered in as little as 48 hours.
To diagnose a slipped disc, our spinal specialists may refer you for one or more of the following scans:
To diagnose a slipped disc, our spinal specialists may refer you for one or more of the following scans:
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Discography
SLIPPED DISC TREATMENTS AT HCA UK
Spinal expertise tailored to you
Most people with a slipped disc require very little medical help. Sometimes, a period of rest followed by gentle activity may be all that’s needed. If you do need treatment, we offer a wide range of non-surgical and surgical options, including minimally invasive procedures. Your consultant will recommend the best treatment option for you.
Some of the treatments we offer, include:
Some of the treatments we offer, include:
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
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Slipped disc FAQs
The symptoms of a slipped disc vary from person to person. You may feel a dull ache in the affected area or the pain may shoot down your legs or arms as the nerve is pressed on. You may also feel numbness and tingling in your hands and feet alongside weakness in your arms or legs.
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that. Simply pushing the herniated disc back between the vertebrae would do little to improve your condition and could even make symptoms worse. Surgical treatment involves a section of the disc being removed.
Yes, most bulging discs self-heal following a period of rest and gentle activity. The majority of people who have a slipped disc will either feel no symptoms at all or notice symptoms easing with little to no medical help. Many people simply don't know when they have a slipped disc, as long as it's not interfering with the nerves in the spinal column.
If you experience persistent and severe symptoms of a slipped disc, you should see a spinal specialist who can advise you on the best course of treatment. At HCA UK, we’ll confirm your appointment with your chosen consultant within 24 hours.
If you experience persistent and severe symptoms of a slipped disc, you should see a spinal specialist who can advise you on the best course of treatment. At HCA UK, we’ll confirm your appointment with your chosen consultant within 24 hours.
To help prevent a slipped disc occurring, we recommend that you:
- Sit or stand correctly: Slouched positions and regularly bending over move your spine out of its natural curvature and place added strain on your discs. Whether you’re sitting, sleeping, exercising or performing work tasks, maintaining a good posture can boost your chances of avoiding a herniated disc.
- Stay hydrated: As the discs contain an incredibly high water content, they're liable to degenerate quicker if your body is not properly hydrated. If you're dehydrated, the discs shrink and bring your vertebrae closer together. This process, known as desiccation, increases your risk of suffering symptoms such as pain caused by pinched nerves.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Exercising regularly keeps your core muscles strong, supporting your spine and helping maintain correct posture. Smoking can quicken the deterioration of your discs, so quitting can help. Maintaining a healthy weight for your height and body shape also prevents extra pressure being put on your joints and spine.
Yes, but it depends on your symptoms. While people who don’t have any symptoms should be able to walk perfectly fine with a slipped disc, one of the most common symptoms for people who do experience them is pain and discomfort in the back and legs. This can make walking uncomfortable or difficult to begin with.
Exercises that involve exaggerating the curvature of the spine can provide relief from the symptoms of a slipped disc. A physiotherapist can advise on the best exercises to help your condition. Here are three that you can try at home:
- Back extensions: Place your hands on your lower back and push this area and your pelvis forward. You should feel a stretch in your mid-back.
- Cobra pose: Lay face down on a yoga mat with your palms flat on the floor in line with your shoulders. Push upwards until your arms are straight and gently tilt your head backwards.
- Spinal decompression: Bend face-down over the edge of a bench or bed with your pelvis supported. Alternatively, hang from a pull-up bar (optionally using a stool or bench to provide support to your feet and pelvis). These motions provide a stretching sensation through your spine and pressure is relieved from the discs.
You can expect your slipped disc symptoms to ease within six weeks if you have a period of rest and only do gentle activity. An exact time frame will depend on individual factors, such as the severity of your herniated disc, any underlying health conditions and your lifestyle.
Recovery times following surgery for a slipped disc also vary. If you have an endoscopic/minimally invasive procedure, you can often go home the same day as the procedure and should expect to recover within a few weeks.
If you have open surgery, it’s likely you’ll need to remain in hospital for one to two days after the operation. This is because the recovery time is slightly longer than for minimally invasive procedures as the surgery site and affected area need to heal.
Recovery times following surgery for a slipped disc also vary. If you have an endoscopic/minimally invasive procedure, you can often go home the same day as the procedure and should expect to recover within a few weeks.
If you have open surgery, it’s likely you’ll need to remain in hospital for one to two days after the operation. This is because the recovery time is slightly longer than for minimally invasive procedures as the surgery site and affected area need to heal.
It depends on the type of surgery you had and the nature of your work. You may be able to return to work in just a few weeks or it may take several months to return to full duties. Your consultant will be able to advise you on this.
Driving or riding in a car can often make the symptoms of a slipped disc worse due to the position you have to remain in, especially on long journeys. If you’re having non-surgical treatment for a slipped disc, your consultant may recommend reducing the amount of time you travel in a car as you recover.
If you need to have surgery to repair a slipped disc, you won't be able to drive for a period after the operation to give your body sufficient time to heal. Your consultant will be able to advise you on when it may be suitable for you to drive again.
If you need to have surgery to repair a slipped disc, you won't be able to drive for a period after the operation to give your body sufficient time to heal. Your consultant will be able to advise you on when it may be suitable for you to drive again.
Our patients’ stories
Getting back to normal after spinal surgery: Ruth’s story
When consultant spinal surgeon Mr Robert Lee first glanced at the MRI scan of retired music teacher Ruth’s lumbar spine, he did a double take.
Back on track: How surgery helped a visitor from America get free from pain
Brandon Zuck had just arrived in the UK from America. It was the beginning of a holiday he’d been looking forward to, a chance to catch up with friends, a little sightseeing. Needless to say, a complex surgical procedure was not on the must-do list.
Leah's scoliosis surgery
Mum Dawn explains how scoliosis surgery at The Portland Hospital changed her 15-year-old daughter's life.
“At my six-week post-op visit, Mr Lee was really pleased with my recovery. An X-ray of my back showed the surgery went exactly as he'd hoped. He said I was going from strength to strength, my movements were coming on nicely and, by our six-month appointment, I should be completely back to normal. I felt pretty euphoric after hearing that.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.