Question 1

what to do for a slipped disc?

Accepted Answer

See below: There are many causes of low back pain.  A "slipped disc" is layman's terms for a condition called spondylolisthesis or may represent a bulging/protruding disc.  Usually acute back pain from this condition will improve over 1-2 weeks with anti-inflammatories, gentle streching, and use of heat/ice.  If your pain does not improve or gets worse you should contact your physician.

Question 2

what is a slipped disc? how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Most without surgery: A herniated ("ruptured") disk can respond nicely to physical therapy and the body's natural healing processes.   But it can take weeks to months. Other options include chiropractic or pain injections. In some cases, perhaps 10-15 percent, surgery is needed. Indications for surgery include severe weakness, numbness, or persistent pain, trouble walking, or failure of conservative management

Question 3

how can one know if they have a slipped disc?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms: What are your symptoms? Typically if you have low back pain with sitting or leg pain in one or both legs that is a radiating shooting pain you may have a slipped disc. An MRI or ct scan can tell you more.

Question 4

i have a slipped disc, what is the best way to treat?

Accepted Answer

Simple things first: Start with limiting activity and taking anti inflammatories first if you can. This can be followed with physical therapy. If necessary, epidural steroid injections can be used as well. Surgery would be a last choice unless there is weakness or bladder control issues present. Four out of five people can be successfully treated without surgery.

Question 5

how long does it take to recover from a slipped disc?

Accepted Answer

Varies: With or without surgery, the recovery for a "slipped disc" disc protrusion is highly variable. On average in my experience it can take an average of 3-6 months to recover.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: slipped disc?

Accepted Answer

Archaic: Not really a good term, as reflects "something off with a disc".  Better is disc bulge, protrusion, herniation, all which can measure aberrant disc positioning in the spine, and can guide therapeutic interventions.

Question 7

what is a slipped disc like, and is it really slipped or crushed?

Accepted Answer

Herniated: The symptoms depend on how the disc has herniated and if there is impingement of any nerve roots. 
It does, in fact, herniate or "slip". It is not crushed. There are instances where the disc appears crushed on imaging studies but that is usually because of longstanding degenerative process (degenerative disc disease).

Question 8

what would be recommended to take care of a slipped disc at home?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDS, ice, heat...: Pain, stiffness, and inflammation can be relieved  with over-the-counter medications like advil or aleve (naproxen). Follow directions on label. Ice for about 45 minutes will address inflammation and swelling, never apply ice to the skin, always over a towel or clothing. Follow this by heat for about 20 to 25 minutes to help soothe and relax tight muscles. Gentle range of motion and stretching exercises.

Question 9

what kinds of exercises can a person do who is recovering from a slipped disc?

Accepted Answer

Extension: It really depends on the symptoms you are presenting with, but typically a program that emphasizes back extension or a program that centralizes pain, like a mckenzie program, would be prescribed. In addition to this you may engage in hamstring and quad stretching and core strengthening. You should speak to your pcp and see a physiatrist.

Question 10

what are the symptoms of lower right back slipped disc  and how long does it usually take to get better?

Accepted Answer

Low back pain: Lower back pain is a common occurrence. Usually improves in 4 to 6 weeks. Exercise is helpful and can help prevent recurrence. Recommend neutral spine exercises of mcgill even while hurting. Can find videos on youtube.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Slipped disc signs

A member asked:

What to do for a slipped disc?

A member asked:

What is a slipped disc? how is it treated?

A member asked:

How can one know if they have a slipped disc?

A member asked:

I have a slipped disc, what is the best way to treat?

A member asked:

How long does it take to recover from a slipped disc?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: slipped disc?

A member asked:

What is a slipped disc like, and is it really slipped or crushed?

A member asked:

What would be recommended to take care of a slipped disc at home?

A member asked:

What kinds of exercises can a person do who is recovering from a slipped disc?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of lower right back slipped disc and how long does it usually take to get better?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?