FC Road, Shivajinagar, Pune · Mon to Sat, 10 AM to 8 PM +91 89837 65040 WhatsApp

Slip Disc Treatment in Pune

Most slip discs heal without surgery.

A slipped disc can cause back pain, leg pain and numbness. With the right treatment at the right time, most patients get better with medicines, physiotherapy and nerve blocks. Surgery is the last option.

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At a glance

Most common levelsL4 L5 and L5 S1

Main symptomBack pain with leg pain

First treatmentMedicines, physio, rest

Need surgeryOnly a small number

Your exact plan depends on your MRI and examination.

MRI of a slipped disc at L4 L5 reviewed by Dr. Nitish Agarwal

Your MRI, explained in simple words

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Understanding the problem

What is slip disc?

The spine has soft, cushion-like discs between the bones. A slip disc (disc prolapse or herniation) happens when the soft centre of a disc pushes out through a crack in its outer wall.

If the bulging part presses on a nearby nerve, it causes pain, tingling or weakness in the leg (in the lower back) or the arm (in the neck). The most common levels are L4 L5 and L5 S1 in the lower back.

Common causes

Lifting heavy weight with a bent back
Long hours of sitting, driving or two-wheeler travel
Age-related wear of the discs
Sudden twist or jerk
Weak core muscles, overweight and smoking

Symptoms

Signs of slip disc

Lower back pain that spreads to the buttock and leg
Pain that gets worse on sitting, bending or coughing
Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
Weakness in the leg or foot
Neck pain with arm pain, if the disc is in the neck

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See a doctor urgently if

Loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness around the private parts or inner thighs
Sudden weakness in one or both legs (foot drop)

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Treatment, step by step

How Dr. Nitish treats slip disc

The simplest treatment that can work comes first. Surgery is advised only when it is really needed.

Step 1

Medicines and rest

Pain relief medicines, short rest and activity changes for the first few weeks.

Step 2

Physiotherapy

Guided exercises to strengthen the back and core and correct posture.

Step 3

Nerve root block

An image-guided injection that calms the pressed nerve when pain does not settle.

Step 4

Microscopic or endoscopic surgery

Only if pain continues, or there is weakness or nerve damage.

Questions patients ask

Slip Disc: your questions

Have a question about your own MRI? Send it on WhatsApp and the clinic will guide you.

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Can a slip disc heal on its own?

Yes, in many patients. The bulging part of the disc often shrinks over 6 to 12 weeks. Medicines, physiotherapy and good posture help it heal and control the pain meanwhile.

Which is the best treatment for a slip disc?

It depends on your symptoms and MRI. Most patients need only medicines and physiotherapy. A nerve root block helps if pain does not settle. Microdiscectomy is advised only when needed.

When is surgery needed for a slip disc?

When leg pain does not improve after 6 to 8 weeks of proper treatment, when there is weakness or foot drop, or in an emergency such as loss of bladder control.

Is L4 L5 disc bulge serious?

A disc bulge at L4 L5 is very common and usually not serious. It needs attention if it causes strong leg pain, numbness or weakness.

Your surgeon

Dr. Nitish Agarwal, Consultant Spine Surgeon

MBBS, Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Spine Surgery · MMC Reg. No. 2013103163 · 15+ years, 5000+ spine surgeries

About Dr. Nitish

Treatments for this condition