What precautions have to be taken when a person has a slipped disc?

Restrict activity.: In general precautions are to avoid excessively loading the disc for a few weeks. This includes restricting heavy lifting, high impact exercise and high degrees of flexion, extension and rotation. Each patient is a little different and symptoms may be your guide. Bed rest is generally not be recommended. After an acute period, one should begin gradual and progressive return to full activity.

Heavy lifting: Try to stay active and as normal in activity as possible, limiting heavy lifting (about 20-30 pounds), bending, twisting), avoiding uncomfortable activities and positions. Gentle exercise should be attempted (water exercise, walking). Most will find prolonged sitting uncomfortable. Getting up, changing position often can be helpful.