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Disc Problems Explained

Herniated, bulging, slipped and ruptured discs, sciatica and spinal stenosis explained, with treatment options for each.

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Disc problems are the most common cause of sciatica and a frequent cause of back and neck pain. Use this section to understand your diagnosis and your options.

Conditions

ConditionKey fact
Herniated discMost improve without surgery
Slipped discSame as a herniated disc
Bulging discVery common on MRI, often painless
Ruptured discOften reabsorbed over time
SciaticaNerve pain down the leg
Spinal stenosisLeg pain when walking
Neck discArm pain and numbness
Degenerative discNormal ageing, sometimes painful

Further reading

In this section

Bulging Disc: Treatment and When Surgery Is NeededWhat a bulging disc is, how it differs from a herniated disc, and bulging disc treatment without…Degenerative Disc DiseaseWhat degenerative disc disease means, why it is common on MRI, and treatment options including exercise and…Neck Disc HerniationHerniated disc in the neck: arm pain, urgent warning signs, treatment without surgery and when ACDF surgery…Ruptured Disc: Symptoms and TreatmentA ruptured disc is a herniated disc. Symptoms, why many heal without surgery, and when ruptured disc surgery…Sciatica TreatmentSciatica treatment options compared: exercise, physiotherapy, medicines, epidurals, PRP, stem cells and…Slipped Disc Treatment Without SurgeryHow to treat a slipped disc without surgery: movement, physiotherapy, pain relief and injections. How long it…Spinal Stenosis TreatmentLumbar spinal stenosis: symptoms, physical therapy versus surgery, injections and when decompression surgery…

The free guide

Seven steps to take before disc surgery

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