Slipped Discs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Back pain is very common in Germany. Spending long hours sitting at a desk, unbalanced physical strain and too little exercise all put pressure on the spine and can lead, among other things, to a slipped disc. Solveig Haw, a doctor and health expert at DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG, explains the causes, risks and treatment options.

When a disc slips out of place

The intervertebral discs are small cushions between the vertebrae that act like shock absorbers. Each disc has a soft, gel-like core and a tougher outer ring of fibrous tissue. In a slipped disc (herniated disc), the soft core pushes through a tear in the outer ring and presses on the surrounding nerves. “The result is often severe pain in the affected part of the back, which can radiate into the legs or arms, sometimes accompanied by numbness or loss of strength,” explains Solveig Haw. Statistically, around one in three people will suffer a slipped disc at some point in their lifetime. “However, not every slipped disc necessarily causes symptoms,” says Haw.

Why prolonged sitting is risky

Prolonged sitting without compensatory movement, or with poor posture, significantly increases the risk of muscle and disc problems. Many people spend several hours a day sitting, often in a hunched position that puts extra strain on the lumbar spine. Other risk factors include lack of exercise, excess weight, increasing age and unbalanced physical loads, as well as congenital spinal deformities. Warning signs such as radiating pain, tingling, numbness or muscle weakness should be taken seriously: “It’s better to see a doctor sooner rather than later,” emphasises Solveig Haw. “If there are signs of paralysis, you must see a doctor immediately.”

Prevention: Counteracting problems with movement and good ergonomics

The good news is that most slipped discs can be prevented. The key lies in regular physical activity, losing excess weight and strengthening the core muscles. Even a simple exercise such as pelvic tilts can mobilise the lumbar spine and positively affect the discs, facet joints and surrounding muscles. Here’s how it works: Lie on your back, bend your legs and rest your arms loosely by your sides. Then gently tip your pelvis forwards and backwards. Workplace ergonomics also plays a central role. “Your office chair should have an adjustable lumbar support that protects the lower back,” advises Haw. Your feet should be flat on the floor, your thighs parallel to the floor and your knees at a 90-degree angle. “The monitor should be positioned at eye level to relieve the neck and upper back,” adds the health expert. And something else is crucial: dynamic sitting – in other words, changing your sitting position regularly. Ideally, you also have a gym ball as an alternative to your office chair. “Short movement breaks also help.” The best approach is to stand up regularly, stretch, do a few exercises or walk a few steps. This relieves the spine and keeps the discs supple. “A quick five-minute workout in between also helps to clear your head,” says the ERGO health expert.

What to do when it already happened?

“In 80 to 90 per cent of cases, a slipped disc can be treated without surgery,” explains Haw. After medical diagnosis, usually confirmed by imaging such as an MRI or CT scan, treatment typically begins with conservative therapy. This includes pain-relieving medication, physiotherapy, heat treatment, manual therapy and also exercise. Keeping active remains one of the key ways of managing back pain, even during the healing phase. Targeted strengthening, mobilisation and stretching exercises improve blood flow, release tension and build up muscles. However, the healing process requires patience and usually takes six to twelve weeks. “Surgery is only necessary if conservative measures fail in the long term, the pain becomes unbearable or neurological deficits such as paralysis occur,” adds the DKV expert.

A healthy back is no coincidence

A healthy back is the result of good habits: regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, upright posture, ergonomic working conditions and targeted exercises to strengthen the core muscles. “Anyone who invests today is protecting their spine for tomorrow and can effectively help to prevent a slipped disc,” concludes Solveig Haw.