‘Slipped’ (prolapsed) disc happens when the inner softer part of the disc (the nucleus pulposus) bulges out (herniates) through a weakness in the outer part of the disc. A prolapsed disc is sometimes called a herniated disc.
It is usually caused by excessive strain or trauma to the spine. Contributing factors to slip disc may include sedentary lifestyle, being overweight and weak muscles. It may result in back pain, pain or sensation in different parts of the body, and physical disability.
Symptoms of a slipped disc include:
An untreated severe slip disc can lead to loss of bowel and bladder control and saddle anaesthesia (loss of sensation in your inner thighs, the back of your legs, and around your rectum).
At Vivacare Advanced Physiotherapy and Pain Clinic, our physiotherapists will assess the cause of your condition and advise you with an individualized treatment plan. The clinic provides the following therapies to bring you quick and long term relief:
Our therapists will give you advice regarding correct posture while sitting, standing, lying and driving to prevent recurrence of the problem, along with guidance on proper lifting techniques and a detailed exercise regime.
Seek prompt assessment if leg pain is more severe than back pain, if you notice numbness in the saddle area, or any change in bladder or bowel control — these need urgent medical attention rather than routine physiotherapy.
No — the large majority of disc herniations improve with conservative treatment including physiotherapy, activity modification and time. Surgery is reserved for specific cases that don’t respond or show red-flag signs.
Yes, with the right guidance — certain movements are avoided initially while others (like specific core and mobility work) actively support recovery.
Many herniations do shrink and settle naturally over weeks to months as the body reabsorbs the displaced material, which is why conservative treatment is usually tried first.
Repeated or loaded forward bending can aggravate some disc injuries, so your therapist will guide which specific movements to limit early on and how to reintroduce them safely.
Diagnosis usually starts with a clinical assessment of your symptoms, movement patterns and specific nerve tests, with MRI reserved for cases with red flags or where treatment isn’t progressing as expected.
