A "Slip Disc" (Herniated Disc) sounds terrifying. Patients often imagine their spine is falling apart or that they immediately need surgery.

The Reality: 90% of slip disc patients recover WITHOUT surgery.

Here is the step-by-step ladder of treatment.

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What is a Slip Disc?

Your spinal discs are like jelly donuts between the bones. If the outer layer tears, the inner jelly leaks out and presses on a nerve. This causes back pain or leg pain (Sciatica).

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Step 1: Conservative Care (The First 6 Weeks)

Most discs shrink and heal on their own with time.

• Rest: Short-term rest (2-3 days), then gentle movement. Bed rest for weeks is BAD.
• Medication: Anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants to calm the spasm.
• Physiotherapy: Traction and extension exercises (McKenzie) help push the disc material back in.

Step 2: Targeted Injections

If pain persists after 6 weeks:

• Epidural Steroid Injection: We inject strong anti-inflammatory medicine directly around the pinched nerve.
• This washes away the swelling and provides relief, allowing you to do physio.

Step 3: Surgery (The Last Resort)

We only operate if:

• Pain is unbearable despite treatment.
• You have weakness in your foot (Foot Drop).
• You lose control of urine/bowel (Emergency).

The Surgery: Microdiscectomy. It is a minimally invasive procedure to remove only the small piece of disc pressing on the nerve. You walk the same day.

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Takeaway

A slip disc is painful, but rarely permanent.

Start with physio. Give it time. Only choose surgery if absolutely necessary.

Diagnosed with a disc issue? 👉 Get a Second Opinion from Dr. Abhijit Kale.