Slipped Disc

A slipped disc is one of the most common causes of back pain, neck pain and leg pain. The spine has soft, cushion like discs between the bones that act as shock absorbers. When the outer layer of a disc becomes weak or tears, the soft inner part can bulge out and press on a nearby nerve. This is called a slipped disc, herniated disc or disc prolapse. It is most often seen in the lower back and neck, and is common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.

With long sitting hours, heavy lifting and less exercise, more young people in Mumbai are facing slipped disc problems today. The good news is that most people get better with the right non surgical care. But if the pain is severe, lasts for weeks, or causes numbness and weakness in the legs or arms, proper treatment is needed. At SpineArc, Dr. Tanmay Avhad treats slipped disc with a step by step approach, from medicines and injections to endoscopic disc surgery through a small 8mm cut when truly needed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a slipped disc depend on where the disc is and which nerve is being pressed. Common symptoms include:

Pain in the lower back or neck that becomes worse with bending, sitting or lifting.

Sharp, shooting pain that travels down the buttock and leg (sciatica) or down the arm.

Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot, arm or fingers.

Weakness in the leg or arm, like difficulty lifting the foot or holding things.

Pain that increases with coughing, sneezing or straining.

In rare cases, loss of bladder or bowel control, which needs emergency care.

Causes

A slipped disc can happen suddenly or slowly over time. Some of the most common causes are:

Age related wear and tear, which makes the discs dry and weak.

Lifting heavy objects the wrong way, using the back instead of the legs.

Sudden twisting or bending movements.

Long hours of sitting with poor posture, which puts steady pressure on the discs.

Injuries from falls, accidents or sports.

Repeated strain from jobs that need bending, lifting or driving for long hours.

Weak back and core muscles that give less support to the spine.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To treat a slipped disc the right way, the exact level and nerve involved must be found first. At SpineArc, diagnosis and treatment follow a step by step approach:

Detailed physical check to test pain, leg or arm strength, reflexes, sensation and nerve stretch signs.
MRI scan, which is the best test to see the disc, its size and which nerve it is pressing.
Medicines and physiotherapy, including painkillers, nerve pain medicines, short rest and guided exercises.
Lifestyle changes like correct lifting, good sitting posture, weight control and core strengthening.
Image-guided spine injections, like selective nerve root blocks or epidural injections, to calm the nerve and reduce leg or arm pain.
Endoscopic discectomy for a slipped disc that does not improve with other treatment or causes weakness. The disc piece pressing on the nerve is removed through a small 8mm cut using a camera, often under local anaesthesia, and most patients walk the same day and go home within 24 to 36 hours.
Minimally invasive fusion only in selected cases, like repeat disc slips with an unstable spine.

Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to get a slipped disc. Knowing these factors can help you take early care:

Age

Discs start losing water and strength after the age of 30.

Heavy physical work

Jobs that need lifting, pulling, bending or twisting increase the load on the discs.

Long sitting and driving

Sitting for long hours puts constant pressure on the lower back discs.

Extra body weight

Being overweight adds more stress to the discs in the lower back.

Smoking

Smoking reduces the blood and oxygen supply to the discs, making them wear out faster.

You Deserve a Life Without Slipped Disc Pain

Get the right diagnosis and advanced slipped disc treatment in Mumbai from Dr. Tanmay Avhad at 4 hospitals across the city. Available 6 days a week, book your consultation today.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about slipped disc treatment in Mumbai, answered simply by Dr. Tanmay Avhad.

Can a slipped disc heal without surgery?

Yes. Many people with a slipped disc get better in a few weeks to a few months with medicines, physiotherapy and injections. Surgery is needed only when the pain does not improve or there is nerve weakness.

When is surgery needed for a slipped disc?

Surgery may be suggested if severe leg or arm pain continues even after proper treatment, if there is weakness in the leg or arm, or if there is loss of bladder or bowel control.

What is endoscopic discectomy?

It is a modern surgery to remove the part of the disc pressing on the nerve. It is done through a small 8mm cut using a thin camera, with very little damage to muscles, so recovery is faster.

How long does it take to recover after endoscopic disc surgery?

Most patients walk on the same day and go home within 24 to 36 hours. Many can return to desk work in a few weeks, based on their condition and the doctor’s advice.

Can a slipped disc happen again after treatment?

It can happen in some cases. Correct lifting, good posture, regular exercise and weight control can lower the chance of it happening again.

How can I book an appointment for slipped disc treatment?

You can call +91 79779 26003 or +91 99203 97922, send a WhatsApp message, or fill the form on this website. Our team will call you to confirm your time and hospital.

Where does Dr. Tanmay Avhad consult in Mumbai?

He consults at Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Aryan Multispeciality Hospital Kalachowki, Siddhachal Hospital Sion and Sushrut Hospital and Research Centre Chembur.