Quick Summary
A “slipped disc” diagnosis can sound alarming. Many disc-related symptoms improve with time and appropriate care. We assess your back and any leg symptoms, identify when medical review is needed and help you rebuild comfortable activity.
Understanding Slipped / Herniated Disc
A herniated or prolapsed disc is a change in a cushioning disc between the spinal bones, where disc material extends beyond its usual boundary. It may irritate a nearby nerve. Discs do not simply slip out like a loose object, and some disc changes cause no symptoms.
How we assess your symptoms
We review symptoms, any scan report and relevant medical history. Leg strength, sensation and reflexes may be checked. Progressive neurological changes prompt medical assessment; otherwise we discuss an appropriate rehabilitation plan and how to monitor it.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Back pain with or without pain travelling into a leg.
- Tingling, numbness or weakness if a nerve is affected.
- Difficulty with particular movements, lifting or sustained positions.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
What may contribute?
Disc changes occur through a mixture of age-related and individual factors and may follow loading or arise without a clear event. The size of a change on a scan does not alone determine symptoms or treatment. Your examination and function matter.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Hands-on care may ease associated muscle or joint discomfort when suitable, alongside exercise. It cannot push a disc back into place. We avoid techniques that worsen nerve symptoms and review treatment according to your response.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for a herniated spinal disc and does not push disc material back or decompress a nerve. Assessment, appropriate activity and rehabilitation guide care; medical review is arranged when the symptom pattern warrants it.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Activity and exercises are progressed from a tolerable starting point. We work towards walking, lifting and everyday tasks, adjusting movements that repeatedly worsen leg symptoms. The aim is useful recovery rather than dependence on passive treatment.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately for new numbness around your genitals or bottom, difficulty starting or controlling urine, loss of bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. These can signal cauda equina compression. Call 999 if you need an ambulance.
- Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly worsening leg weakness, fever or feeling unwell with back pain, or significant pain after an injury. Contact your GP about unexplained weight loss, a cancer history or persistent night pain.
Your questions answered
Will I need surgery?
Most people do not. Specialist review may be appropriate for persistent disabling symptoms or worsening nerve function. Emergency warning signs require immediate assessment rather than a routine appointment.
Can I recover even if my scan still shows a disc bulge?
Yes, symptoms and imaging do not always change together. We focus on your function and neurological findings; a scan result should be interpreted in its clinical context.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
Sciatica · Degenerative disc changes
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.