You may have heard the term ‘slipped disc’ but this is a rather inaccurate term, as discs actually cannot slip out of place. You can have disc injuries that make the disc herniate! If you want to find what the solution is, please read this page!
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The spine (or vertebral column) is made up of bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra is a disc — a flexible, shock-absorbing cushion that allows movement and helps protect the spine.
Each disc has two parts:
A soft, jelly-like centre (nucleus)
A tough outer layer (annulus)
These discs don’t “slip” out of place — a common myth — but they can wear, tear or herniate, which may cause pain or symptoms like sciatica.
Over time, repetitive bending, twisting, lifting, and poor posture (especially sitting for long periods) can weaken the outer layer of a disc. When this happens, the nucleus can push through the annulus — this is called a disc herniation.
The leaked material may press on nearby nerves, causing:
Sciatica (pain down the leg) if it’s in the lower back
You can also experience pain from disc damage without any nerve pressure or herniation.
Disc herniations are less common than people think.
Only around 3–5% of back pain cases seen by doctors are due to a herniated disc.
Most back pain is actually caused by muscles, joints, or ligaments.
Herniated discs most often affect people between ages 30 to 50. Despite the seriousness, most don’t require surgery — only a small number of cases do.
Common disc-related symptoms may include:
Persistent lower back pain
Pain that travels down the leg or arm
Numbness or tingling in limbs
Muscle weakness
Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing or bending
Seek urgent medical help if you experience:
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness around the genitals or inner thighs (“saddle” area)
These may be signs of cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious emergency.
To reduce strain on your discs:
Avoid prolonged sitting, bending or twisting
Use proper lifting techniques
Strengthen your core and back muscles
Take regular breaks from sitting or driving
Stop smoking – it weakens spinal structures
Certain factors increase your risk:
Previous back injuries
Sedentary lifestyle or poor fitness
Jobs that involve heavy lifting or driving
Poor posture
Smoking
Chiropractors can effectively treat many disc-related issues. Research shows that spinal manipulation offers relief for many people with disc herniations and sciatica.
At our clinic, we use:
Hands-on adjustments to reduce joint stiffness and relieve pressure
A personalised rehab program to build strength and prevent recurrence
IDD Therapy – a targeted non-invasive treatment for disc injuries
So, the good news is that it is not always necessary to remove the disc herniation by surgery! If you are interested in research read this.
Healing time varies based on the severity of the disc injury and how well you follow your treatment plan. Your chiropractor will explain how often you’ll need treatment and what to expect.
Active involvement in exercises and home care will speed up recovery.
What is Sciatica? Sciatica is pain that starts in the lower back and radiates through the buttocks and down the legs. It’s caused by irritation or pressure on the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This condition can make everyday tasks, like sitting or walking, difficult. If you’ve experienced sharp, shooting pain in
Ten facts you should know about Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The most common reasons are degenerative changes of the spine, where spurs form and start to encroach the central canal. There are other reasons. It is important to have a thorough examination to be able to give an accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
Lateral canal stenosis also called foraminal stenosis. A condition with narrowing of the canal where the spinal nerve exits from the spine. Can have many causes. It is therefore important to find out why the symptoms are there and not just say ‘it is a trapped nerve’.