Slipped disc

Symptoms of a slipped disc include lower back pain, neck pain and difficulty bending your back.

The pain from a slipped disc usually gets better if you stay active and take painkillers.

A GP will ask you about your symptoms to check if you have a slipped disc. They may also do a physical examination.

If pain from a slipped disc does not get better, treatments can include strong painkillers, physiotherapy and surgery.

A slipped disc can be caused by things like ageing, exercising too hard or lifting heavy objects the wrong way.

You can help prevent getting a slipped disc by doing regular exercise and quitting smoking if you smoke.

A slipped disc, also called a prolapsed or herniated disc, is where a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine pushes out of place.