TL;DR Quick answer
A disc bulge or herniation pressing on a nerve, causing back or neck pain that spreads to a limb. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as epidural steroid injection.
Sample content · medical review pendingWhen Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala has reviewed this page, tick “Medically reviewed” in the admin panel to show a “Medically reviewed by” box here.
About herniated disc
When the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, it can irritate a nearby nerve root. This is a common cause of sciatica and of arm pain from the neck. The terms slipped disc and disc prolapse describe the same problem.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Back or neck pain; pain spreading into the leg or arm; numbness or tingling |
| Common causes | Age-related disc changes; lifting or twisting strain; repetitive loading |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | Get emergency help for loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle numbness, or weakness in both legs |
| Treatment options | Epidural Steroid Injection |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Back or neck pain
- Pain spreading into the leg or arm
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in the limb
Causes
- Age-related disc changes
- Lifting or twisting strain
- Repetitive loading
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
Get emergency help for loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle numbness, or weakness in both legs.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epidural Steroid Injection | Procedure | An injection into the epidural space to reduce nerve inflammation causing arm or leg pain. | 15–30 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
