What is it?
A disc herniation (slipped disc) occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer ring, potentially pressing on nearby nerves. Most disc herniations resolve without surgery — physiotherapy is the first-line treatment.
Common causes
- Sudden heavy lifting with poor posture
- Age-related disc degeneration making the disc vulnerable
- Repetitive bending and twisting
- Trauma (car accidents, falls)
- Genetic factors affecting disc tissue quality
Signs and symptoms
- Sharp back pain at the site of herniation
- Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling into the arm (neck disc) or leg (lumbar disc)
- Pain worsening with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Muscle weakness in the affected limb
- Reduced reflexes in the affected area
Physiotherapy treatment at VPARC
- McKenzie method assessment and directional exercises
- Neural mobilisation to reduce nerve root sensitivity
- Core stabilisation and lumbar protection training
- Traction therapy for nerve-related symptoms
- Education: 90% of disc herniations improve without surgery
What you can do at home
- Avoid prolonged sitting and forward bending in the acute phase
- Find your "directional preference": the position (often extension) that reduces leg/arm pain
- Walk gently — it is one of the best activities for disc recovery
- Sleep on your side in the foetal position with a pillow between knees
When to visit VPARC
Seek urgent care if you experience progressive leg weakness, saddle anaesthesia, or bladder/bowel changes. Visit VPARC within 2 weeks of onset of severe disc symptoms.
Call +91 98896 78838 or read more on our Slip Disc Treatment in Varanasi page. This leaflet is general information and does not replace a medical assessment.