Herniated Disc in Singapore
Overview
A herniated disc (also called a slipped or ruptured disc) occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
Herniated discs most commonly affect the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). Many cases improve with conservative treatment, but some require specialist intervention.
Symptoms
- Sharp or burning pain in the back, leg, or arm (depending on location)
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area
- Muscle weakness that may cause stumbling or difficulty lifting
- Pain that worsens with certain movements, coughing, or sneezing
- Sciatica — radiating pain from the lower back down one leg
When to seek emergency care
Rarely, a disc in the lower back presses on the bundle of nerves at the base of the spine (cauda equina syndrome), which needs emergency treatment. Call 995 or go to the nearest Emergency Department straight away if you have back pain and any of the following:
- Numbness around your buttocks, genitals or inner thighs
- Being unable to pass urine, or losing control of your bladder or bowels
- Loss of feeling, or weakness that is getting worse, in one or both legs
- Back pain that started after a serious fall or accident
Source: NHS guidance on slipped discs.
Treatment Options
- Physical therapy — Exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility.
- Medication — Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medication.
- Epidural steroid injections — To reduce inflammation around the affected nerve.
- Microdiscectomy — Minimally invasive surgery to remove the herniated portion of the disc.
- Disc replacement — Artificial disc surgery for selected cases, preserving spinal mobility.
This page is general information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Only a qualified doctor who has examined you can provide that. Never delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read here. If this is an emergency, call 995 (in Singapore) or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
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