Disc Herniation (Slipped disc) – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

• A slipped disc (disc herniation) happens when the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, irritating nerves.

• It can occur in the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine).

• Symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms, chest, or legs depending on location.

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide expert assessment, osteopathic care, and tailored rehabilitation, with referral for imaging if red flags are present.

👉 Related: Sciatica | Cervical Radiculopathy | Back Pain

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What is a Slipped Disc?

Discs act as cushions between vertebrae in the spine. Each has a tough outer ring and a softer inner centre.

A disc herniation occurs when the inner material pushes out through a weakness in the outer ring. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain and neurological symptoms.

• Cervical (neck) → can cause Cervical Radiculopathy with arm pain, tingling, or weakness

• Thoracic (mid-back) → less common, may cause chest, rib, or abdominal wall pain

• Lumbar (lower back) → most common, often causes Sciatica

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Symptoms of Disc Herniation

Symptoms vary depending on the region affected:

Cervical (Neck)

• Neck pain, stiffness

• Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm/fingers

Thoracic (Mid-Back)

• Pain between the shoulder blades or wrapping around the chest

• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the trunk

• Rare but can mimic heart/chest conditions (always needs careful assessment)

Lumbar (Lower Back)

• Low back pain

• Sciatica: pain radiating into buttock, thigh, calf, or foot

• Tingling, numbness, weakness in the leg or foot

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Heavy lifting or sudden strain

• Repetitive bending or twisting

• Trauma or falls

• Age-related disc degeneration

• Sedentary lifestyle and weak core muscles

• Obesity and smoking (reduce disc health)

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🚩 Red Flag Symptoms – Seek Urgent Medical Care

A slipped disc can very rarely compress the nerves that control bladder, bowel, and leg function (cauda equina syndrome).
Seek urgent hospital care if you experience:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Numbness in the groin or saddle area

• Sudden weakness in both legs

• Sexual dysfunction

👉 At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we screen for red flags and will refer immediately if present.

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Diagnosis of a Slipped Disc

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:

• Osteopathic assessment – posture, range of motion, neurological checks (reflexes, strength, sensation)

• History & symptom mapping – to identify nerve root involvement

• Referral for imaging – MRI is the gold standard for disc herniations

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Self-Help for Disc Herniation

• Stay gently active, avoid prolonged bed rest

• Use heat packs to ease muscle spasm

• Gentle stretches and mobility exercises

• Supportive ergonomic posture for sitting/working

• Short walks to reduce stiffness

• Pain relief as guided by your GP

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – spinal mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and postural correction
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – core strengthening, safe movement retraining, progressive return to activity
✅ Sports massage – reducing spasm in back, glutes, or neck muscles
✅ Education & advice – safe lifting, ergonomic setup, pacing strategies
✅ Referral pathways – MRI, pain specialists, or surgery if conservative care fails

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Prevention

• Strengthen core and postural muscles

• Use correct lifting techniques

• Avoid prolonged sitting or poor ergonomics

• Maintain healthy weight and activity levels

• Stop smoking to support spinal disc health

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FAQs – Slipped Disc

Q: Can you have a slipped disc in the neck?
Yes. Cervical discs can herniate, often causing arm pain or Cervical Radiculopathy.

Q: How about the mid-back (thoracic)?
It’s less common, but herniations here can cause chest or rib pain and must be differentiated from other conditions.

Q: How long does recovery take?
Many cases improve within 6–12 weeks with conservative care.

Q: Do I always need surgery?
No. Most disc herniations heal without surgery — but urgent symptoms require hospital care.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let disc pain or nerve symptoms affect your life. Book your slipped disc assessment in Bromley today for expert diagnosis, treatment, and onward referral if necessary.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available