FOR APPOINTMENTS- CALL/ WHATSAPP +919811088148
A slip disc — medically known as a herniated or prolapsed intervertebral disc — is a common but often mismanaged condition.
At Eshna Pain & Palliative Centre, we offer evidence-based, non-surgical treatment for slip disc that delivers genuine, lasting relief. Many patients come to us after being told surgery is their only option. In the majority of cases, that is not true.
Each vertebra in your spine is separated by a disc — a cushion-like structure with a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). A slip disc occurs when the inner gel pushes through a tear or weakness in the outer ring, pressing on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Most commonly affected levels: Cervical spine C5-C6, C6-C7 (neck pain radiating to arm); Lumbar spine L4-L5, L5-S1 (back pain radiating to leg / sciatica).
• Sharp or burning pain in the back or neck
• Pain radiating to the arm (cervical disc) or leg (lumbar disc)
• Numbness or tingling in the limb
• Muscle weakness in the affected arm or leg
• Pain aggravated by sitting, bending forward, coughing, or straining
• Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (TFESI): Gold standard for disc herniation with nerve compression. Delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the compressed nerve root.
• Caudal Epidural: For lower lumbar disc disease
• Cervical Interlaminar Epidural: For cervical disc herniation with arm pain
• Pulsed Radiofrequency: For chronic disc-related nerve pain
Surgery for slip disc is indicated when: there is progressive neurological deficit (worsening weakness); bladder or bowel dysfunction is present; or there is failure of 6–12 weeks of aggressive conservative and interventional management. In all other cases, non-surgical treatment is the appropriate first choice. We are honest with you about when surgery is genuinely needed.
Q: Can a slipped disc heal on its own?
A: Many disc herniations do improve with time (6–12 weeks), especially smaller ones. However, without appropriate treatment, the risk of chronic pain and disability is significant. Interventional treatment accelerates recovery and prevents chronification.
Q: How effective is epidural injection for slip disc?
A: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection provides significant pain relief in 60–80% of appropriately selected patients. It is the most evidence-supported non-surgical intervention for disc herniation with nerve root compression.
Q: Is bed rest good for a slip disc?
A: Prolonged bed rest is not recommended. Controlled activity, specific physiotherapy, and pain management are preferred. Bed rest beyond 2 days is associated with worse outcomes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — SLIP DISC TREATMENT DELHI NCR
Q1. What is a slip disc (herniated disc)?
A slip disc (herniated disc or prolapsed disc) occurs when the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer. It can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Q2. Which discs most commonly slip?
The lumbar spine (lower back) is most commonly affected — particularly L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels — causing back pain radiating into the legs (sciatica). Cervical (neck) disc herniation at C5-C6 and C6-C7 is the second most common, causing arm pain.
Q3. What are the symptoms of a slip disc?
Symptoms include localised back or neck pain, radiating leg or arm pain (sciatica or cervical radiculopathy), numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected limb. Severe cases may affect bladder or bowel function.
Q4. What non-surgical treatments does Eshna offer for slip disc?
We offer epidural steroid injections (lumbar and cervical), transforaminal nerve root blocks, physiotherapy guidance, and interventional pain management — all proven to relieve slip disc pain without surgery.
Q5. What is a transforaminal epidural steroid injection?
A transforaminal epidural steroid injection delivers steroid medication directly to the nerve root where it exits the spine. It reduces inflammation around the compressed nerve, providing targeted relief for disc herniation pain.
Q6. Can a slipped disc heal without surgery?
Yes. The majority of disc herniations — even large ones — resolve over time with conservative and interventional management. Surgery is reserved for cases with severe or progressive neurological deficit.
Q7. How long does it take to recover from a slip disc?
Most patients experience significant improvement within 6–12 weeks with appropriate treatment. Epidural steroid injections can accelerate recovery by controlling inflammation and allowing physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Q8. What makes a slip disc worse?
Bending forward, prolonged sitting, coughing, and sneezing typically worsen disc herniation symptoms. Activities that increase intradiscal pressure aggravate pain. Ergonomic posture correction is an important part of management.
Q9. What is the difference between a slipped disc and sciatica?
Sciatica is a symptom — pain radiating from the lower back down the leg along the sciatic nerve path. A slipped lumbar disc is the most common cause of sciatica by compressing the sciatic nerve roots.
Q10. Does MRI confirm a slip disc?
Yes. MRI is the gold standard investigation for diagnosing disc herniation, showing the disc bulge, nerve compression, and extent of the prolapse. It guides the level and type of interventional treatment.
Q11. Are epidural steroid injections safe for slip disc?
Yes. Epidural steroid injections are well-established, minimally invasive procedures performed under fluoroscopy guidance. Performed by experienced pain specialists, they have an excellent safety profile with high efficacy.
Q12. What is an intradiscal procedure for a herniated disc?
Intradiscal procedures (such as IDET or biacuplasty) treat internal disc disruption and discogenic pain by targeting the disc itself. They are used when the disc is the primary pain generator rather than nerve compression.
Q13. Can a slip disc cause permanent damage if untreated?
Severe or long-standing nerve compression from a herniated disc can potentially cause permanent weakness or numbness. Early interventional treatment reduces nerve damage and accelerates recovery.
Q14. What activities should I avoid with a slip disc?
Avoid heavy lifting, bending and twisting simultaneously, prolonged sitting, and high-impact activities during acute episodes. Guided physiotherapy after pain control restores safe movement.
Q15. How do I get slip disc treatment in Delhi NCR?
Contact Eshna Pain & Palliative Centre at +91 9811088148. We provide expert, minimally invasive slip disc treatment including epidural injections and nerve root blocks across Delhi NCR.