What is the difference between a slipped and herniated disc?
They are the same. 'Slipped disc' is a non-medical term for a herniated disc, where the inner gel pushes out through a tear in the outer wall.
Condition/Condition Details
Herniated Disc
Disc-focused care for neck or back pain with radiating arm or leg symptoms.
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What is a Herniated Disc?
Disc herniations often produce symptoms suddenly after bending, lifting, twisting, or even coughing, but they can also develop on top of gradual disc degeneration. Cervical herniations may cause pain into the shoulder blade, arm, or hand. Lumbar herniations may cause sciatica into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot. The location of symptoms helps identify which nerve is irritated.
At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, herniated disc care starts by comparing the exam with MRI findings. Many herniations improve with time, medication, outside rehabilitation guidance, and injections. Surgery is considered when pain remains disabling, a nerve deficit progresses, or the disc fragment clearly matches the patient's symptoms. PPO Insurance is Accepted.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Herniated Disc
Symptoms depend on the spinal level and whether a nerve is compressed:
- Neck or lower-back pain with sharp radiation into an arm or leg
- Sciatica that worsens with sitting, bending, coughing, or sneezing
- Numbness or tingling in a specific hand, finger, foot, or toe pattern
- Weakness such as grip difficulty, triceps weakness, foot drop, or trouble toe-walking
- Pain relief in certain positions and symptom flares when nerve pressure increases
- Severe or progressive weakness, which should be evaluated promptly
Why Discs Herniate of Herniated Disc
Disc herniation can follow age-related disc dehydration, annular tears, repetitive heavy lifting, sudden twisting under load, or trauma. Smoking, genetics, poor conditioning, and jobs that combine vibration with lifting can increase risk. A herniated disc can also occur alongside stenosis or degenerative disc disease, which is why imaging must be interpreted in context.
Non-Surgical Herniated Disc Treatment
Many disc herniations shrink or become less inflammatory over time. When symptoms and strength are stable, treatment may include:
- Short-term activity modification while avoiding movements that repeatedly trigger leg or arm pain
- Anti-inflammatory medication or nerve-pain medication when appropriate
- Outside rehabilitation guidance for core control, posture, and safer lifting mechanics
- Epidural steroid injections to calm nerve-root inflammation
- MRI review and repeat exam if symptoms fail to improve or neurological function changes
Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy for Herniated Disc
When a disc fragment is clearly compressing a nerve and symptoms persist or weakness progresses, minimally invasive microdiscectomy may remove the herniated portion while preserving as much normal anatomy as possible. Cervical cases may require ACDF or artificial disc replacement depending on anatomy.
Learn More About Lumbar Microdiscectomy SurgeryExplore Spine Conditions & Treatments
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Locations Offering Evaluation
Our board-certified specialists offer herniated disc evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exercise with a herniated disc?
Yes, but carefully. Walking and swimming are safe. Avoid high-impact running or heavy weightlifting until symptoms subside.
How long does the pain last?
Acute pain is worst for the first 1-2 weeks. Most symptoms resolve significantly by 6 weeks. Only 10% of patients require surgery.
Does a herniated disc show on X-ray?
No. X-rays show bone, not discs. An MRI is required to visualize the soft tissue herniation and nerve compression. Get a free MRI review.
What is the best sleeping position for a herniated disc?
Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your legs to keep the spine neutral.
