Slipped Disc Treatment in Kolkata: Symptoms, Non-Surgical Care & When Surgery Is Needed

A sharp pain that shoots from your lower back down one leg. Tingling in the foot. Pain that gets worse when you cough, sneeze or sit for long.

These are classic signs of a slipped disc. It is one of the most common causes of back and leg pain we see in Kolkata, especially in people who sit for long hours, lift heavy loads or commute daily.

The reassuring news is that most slipped discs heal without surgery. This guide from the orthopaedic and spine team at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital explains what a slipped disc is, how it is treated, and when surgery is really needed.

What Is a Slipped Disc?

Your spine is made of small bones called vertebrae. Between them sit soft, cushion-like discs that absorb shock and let your back bend and twist.

Each disc has a tough outer ring and a soft, jelly-like centre. A slipped disc (also called a herniated or prolapsed disc) happens when part of that soft centre pushes out through a weak spot in the outer ring. The bulging part can press on a nearby nerve, causing pain, numbness or weakness.

Despite the name, the disc does not actually "slip" out of place.

Common Symptoms of a Slipped Disc

Symptoms depend on where the disc is and which nerve it presses on.

Lower back (lumbar) slipped disc

• Lower back pain
• Pain that travels down the buttock and leg (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing

Neck (cervical) slipped disc

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Pain that spreads to the shoulder and arm
• Tingling or numbness in the arm, hand or fingers
• Weak grip

What Causes a Slipped Disc?

• Age-related wear: discs lose water and flexibility over time
• Lifting with poor technique, especially bending and twisting at the same time
• Long hours of sitting with poor posture
• Excess body weight, which adds load to the lower spine
• Smoking, which reduces blood supply to the discs
• A sudden fall or injury

When Is a Slipped Disc an Emergency?

Go to a hospital immediately if you have back pain along with:

• Loss of control over your bladder or bowels
• Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
• Rapidly worsening weakness in both legs

These can be signs of severe nerve compression and need urgent care. BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital offers 24×7 emergency care on +91 82769 79994.

How Is a Slipped Disc Diagnosed?

Your orthopaedic surgeon will ask about your symptoms and check your spine, reflexes, muscle strength and sensation. Tests may include:

• MRI scan: the best test to see the disc and the nerve it is pressing on
• X-rays: to rule out other spine problems
• Nerve conduction studies, in some cases, to check how well the nerves are working

Slipped Disc Treatment Without Surgery

Most patients improve within 6 to 12 weeks with non-surgical care. Treatment may include:

• Short rest, then gentle activity: long bed rest slows recovery, so walking is encouraged as soon as pain allows
• Pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medicines for a limited period
• Physiotherapy: exercises to strengthen the core and back muscles and improve flexibility
• Posture correction at work and at home
• Hot or cold packs to ease muscle spasm
• Spinal injections for selected patients with severe nerve pain

When Is Surgery Needed for a Slipped Disc?

Surgery is considered only for a small group of patients, usually when:

• Severe leg or arm pain continues despite 6 to 12 weeks of proper treatment
• There is increasing weakness or numbness
• There are bladder or bowel problems
• Pain makes normal daily life impossible

Modern spine surgery is often minimally invasive. The surgeon removes only the part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve, through a small cut. Many patients walk the same day or the next day.

Protecting Your Back Every Day

• Bend your knees, not your back, when lifting
• Avoid lifting and twisting at the same time
• Take a short walking break every 30 to 45 minutes when you sit for long
• Keep your screen at eye level and your lower back supported
• Stay active with regular walking and core exercises
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stop smoking

Spine Care at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital

Spine care at BK Aditya is led by Dr. Keshav Digga (MBBS, MS Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy). We offer:

• Assessment and treatment of back pain, neck pain and disc problems
• Non-surgical management with in-house physiotherapy
• Minimally invasive spine procedures when needed
• Diagnostics under one roof
• 24×7 emergency and trauma care

We always start with the least invasive treatment that is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a slipped disc heal on its own?

Yes. In most people, the bulging part of the disc shrinks over time and symptoms improve within a few weeks to a few months with the right care.

Is walking good for a slipped disc?

Yes. Gentle walking keeps the spine moving and helps recovery. Avoid heavy lifting and sudden twisting until your doctor advises.

How long does slipped disc recovery take?

Most patients feel much better within 6 to 12 weeks. Recovery depends on the size of the disc bulge, your general health and how well you follow your exercise plan.

Do I need an MRI for back pain?

Not always. An MRI is usually advised when pain spreads down the leg or arm, when there is weakness or numbness, or when pain does not improve with treatment.

Which doctor should I see for a slipped disc in Kolkata?

An orthopaedic surgeon with experience in spine care is the right specialist. You can consult our orthopaedic team at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital in Satgachi, Kolkata.

Get Back to Moving Comfortably

Back and leg pain from a slipped disc can be frightening, but in most cases it gets better with the right plan. An early assessment helps you recover faster and avoid long-term problems.

To book a consultation with our orthopaedic and spine team, call +91 82769 79994 or visit BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital, 2nd Floor, Satgachi Rd, Notun Pally, Satgachi, Kamardanga, Kolkata 700074.

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