Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)

A herniated disc, or slipped disc, happens when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in its outer ring. It can happen in the neck or the lower back, and most heal on their own within weeks to a few months. Only a small number of people need surgery.

Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary — Last reviewed September 2026

What Is a Herniated Disc?

The discs between the bones of your spine act as cushions. Each one has a tough outer ring and a soft, jelly-like centre. When the ring tears, some of the centre can push out and press on a nearby nerve. That pressure causes the pain, numbness or weakness.

You may hear it called a slipped disc, slip disc, prolapsed disc or ruptured disc. They all mean the same thing. The disc doesn't actually slip out of place.

Is a Bulging Disc the Same Thing?

Not quite. A bulge is a wider, gentle spread of the disc beyond its edge. A herniation is a tear with disc material pushing through.

Both are very common on MRI scans, even in people with no pain at all. Either one matters only if it matches your symptoms.

Where Does It Happen?

Most often in the lower back, and less often in the neck. Symptoms and treatment differ, so each has its own page:

• Lower back: Pain shooting down one leg, known as sciatica. Read Lumbar Disc Herniation & Sciatica
• Neck: Pain, numbness or weakness in one arm. Read Cervical Disc Herniation

Will It Heal on Its Own?

Usually, yes. The inflammation around the nerve settles, and the body often reabsorbs part of the pushed-out disc. Most people improve within 6 to 12 weeks without surgery.

An MRI is usually not needed in the first few weeks, unless you have weakness or warning signs.

When Is Surgery Needed?

Only for a small number of people, usually when:

• Pain stays severe despite proper non-surgical treatment
• Weakness develops or gets worse
• The disc presses on the nerves badly enough to cause an emergency

A herniation on your MRI is not, by itself, a reason for surgery.

If you have been advised surgery and aren't sure, you can send your MRI for a second opinion before deciding.

Treatments We Offer for This

• Microdiscectomy (Slipped Disc Surgery)
• Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression
• ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)
• Cervical Disc Replacement

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About Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary

This page was written by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, trained in complex spine surgery at Harvard Medical School (Beth Israel Deaconess) and the Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis. 🏃🏾About Dr. Chaudhary

This information is for general education and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.