Slipped Discs

The lower back bones are made up of a series of vertebrae that are connected from one segment to the adjacent segment via an intervertebral disc
This disc can sometimes pop out or slip out to cause pain in the back and the leg

Sciatica a.k.a. leg pain

When a disc slips out to the back, it presses onto the nerves that comes out from the spinal canal.

These nerves comes out of the spinal canal to supply the muscles of the legs.

Hence by compressing on these nerves, the patient will have severe pain shooting down the leg.

• A detailed history and clinical examination will usually allow the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis of sciatica and to identify the nerve that is compressed

Investigations

• X-rays of your back and also a MRI scan of your back will be needed in most cases to confirm the diagnosis and plan further treatment

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Causes of Slipped Discs

• Pain from a slip disc is often the result of daily wear and tear on the spine.
  However, it may also be caused by an injury e.g. playing golf, carrying heavy loads.
• A slipped disc can occur slowly over time, taking weeks or months to reach the point when you feel you must seek medical attention.
• Or, pain may occur suddenly from incorrect lifting or twisting that aggravates a weak disc.
  If this is the case, you should seek a medical consult.
  

Treatment

• Conservative e.g. pain killers, physiotherapy
• Minimally invasive treatment e.g. nucleoplasty
• Surgery e.g. discectomy

You should speak with your Orthopaedic doctor regarding the best treatment for you.