A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc, occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This can compress nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates into your arm or leg, depending on whether the herniation is in your neck or lower back. The disc itself doesn’t actually slip out of place, despite the common term. Herniations often result from age-related wear and tear combined with strain from lifting, twisting, or sudden movements. They’re most common in people aged 30 to 50, though they can occur at any age.

Yes, many herniated discs improve naturally over time. Your body’s inflammatory response gradually breaks down the protruding disc material, and as it shrinks, pressure on the nerve reduces. Most people notice significant improvement within six to twelve weeks. The body essentially reabsorbs the herniated portion. This is why doctors often recommend trying conservative treatment before considering surgery, unless you have severe or progressive weakness. However, not all herniations resolve completely, and some people continue experiencing symptoms that eventually require intervention. Response to initial treatment helps predict whether natural healing will occur.

A bulging disc involves the disc protruding slightly beyond its normal boundary but with the outer layer still intact, rather like a tyre bulging but not punctured. It’s a common age-related change and often causes no symptoms. A herniated disc involves an actual tear in the outer disc layer, allowing inner material to escape. This is more likely to compress nerves and cause significant symptoms. However, the distinction isn’t always clear-cut on scans, and symptoms matter more than terminology. Some bulging discs cause problems whilst some herniations don’t, so treatment decisions are based on your clinical picture rather than scan descriptions alone.

Surgery is considered when severe pain persists despite six to twelve weeks of appropriate conservative treatment including physiotherapy, medication, and sometimes injections, and is significantly affecting your daily life. More urgently, progressive leg or arm weakness, particularly foot drop in lumbar herniations, may require earlier intervention to prevent permanent nerve damage. Cauda equina syndrome, though rare, requires emergency surgery. However, most herniated discs don’t need operations. If your symptoms are improving with conservative care, continuing that approach is sensible. Dr. Sherief will help you weigh the timing and necessity of surgery based on your individual circumstances.

Not necessarily. Many people recover completely from a disc herniation and return to all their normal activities without ongoing problems. Once the acute episode resolves, the disc may heal sufficiently that you have no further issues. However, having one herniation indicates some degree of disc degeneration, which means there’s a possibility of future episodes at the same or different levels. Maintaining good core strength, proper lifting technique, healthy weight, and staying active reduces recurrence risk. Some people have a single episode and no further trouble, whilst others may experience recurring problems requiring ongoing management.