Dr. Sachin Sharma

Slipped Disc / Herniated Disc

A slipped or herniated disc occurs when disc material protrudes from its normal position and may compress a nearby nerve. This is a common cause of back pain, neck pain, sciatica and radiculopathy. Not all disc herniations require surgery - many can be successfully treated with conservative measures.

Symptoms of a Slipped Disc

  • Back or neck pain (may be sharp or aching)
  • Leg pain (sciatica) or arm pain (radiculopathy)
  • Tingling or numbness in legs or arms
  • Weakness in legs or arms
  • Pain that worsens with sitting, bending or coughing
  • In severe cases: bladder or bowel changes

When Does a Slipped Disc Need Surgery?

  • Significant neurological deficit (progressive weakness)
  • Symptoms not improving with appropriate conservative treatment
  • Severe or disabling pain significantly limiting function
  • Cauda equina syndrome (emergency requiring urgent surgery)

Treatment Approach

Treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms and the presence or absence of neurological involvement.

  • Anti-inflammatory medication and analgesics
  • Physiotherapy and core strengthening
  • Selective nerve root blocks / transforaminal injections
  • Endoscopic disc surgery (selected cases)
  • Minimally invasive microdiscectomy
  • Standard microdiscectomy
  • Anterior decompression (for cervical disc herniations)

Dr. Sachin Sharma believes that treatment should begin with an accurate diagnosis and an individualized approach. Not every patient requires surgery - non-surgical options are always considered first whenever clinically appropriate.