Spine Care
Slipped Disc & Sciatica Treatment
A slipped disc (herniated or prolapsed disc) occurs when the soft cushion between two vertebrae pushes out and presses on a nerve root — most often in the lower back — causing sciatica: sharp, shooting pain down the leg with numbness or tingling. At Noida Orthopedic Clinic, Dr. Amit Aggrawal treats disc herniation and sciatica at every stage, from conservative care to microdiscectomy, with a focus on rapid, lasting relief.
Symptoms of a Slipped Disc & Sciatica
Typical features include lower back pain radiating below the knee, electric-shock pain down the back or side of the leg, numbness or pins-and-needles in the foot, pain worsened by sitting, coughing or sneezing, and in some cases weakness of the ankle or toes. Red flags — loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or rapidly worsening weakness — need urgent surgical opinion.
Conservative Treatment — Most Cases Improve
Surprisingly, most disc herniations shrink and symptoms settle over 6–12 weeks with the right care: short activity modification, medicines for nerve pain, nerve-root or epidural injections for severe pain, and a graded physiotherapy program to restore mobility, strengthen the core and prevent recurrence. MRI is used to confirm the level and size of the herniation when symptoms persist or deficits appear.
Microdiscectomy — Keyhole Nerve Decompression
When leg pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by weakness, a microdiscectomy offers reliable relief: through a small incision with an operating microscope, the disc fragment pressing the nerve is removed. The procedure typically takes under an hour, patients walk the same day, and sciatica relief is immediate in most cases — with return to desk work in 1–2 weeks and full activity by 4–6 weeks.
Why Choose Noida Orthopedic Clinic
- Specialist spine surgeon
- Conservative care first when safe
- Nerve root & epidural injections
- Microdiscectomy — same-day walking
- Immediate sciatica relief in most cases
- Core-strengthening recurrence prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sciatica the same as a slipped disc?
Sciatica is the symptom — pain radiating along the sciatic nerve. A slipped disc is its most common cause, but bone spurs, stenosis or muscle tightness can also cause sciatica. Proper examination and imaging distinguish between them.
Can a slipped disc heal without surgery?
Yes — the majority of herniated discs shrink and symptoms resolve within 6–12 weeks with medicines, injections and physiotherapy. Surgery is reserved for persistent pain or neurological deficits.
When is microdiscectomy needed?
It is recommended when severe leg pain fails 6+ weeks of proper conservative treatment, or early when there is significant weakness, worsening deficit, or cauda equina symptoms (bladder/bowel involvement — an emergency).
Can a slipped disc come back after surgery?
Recurrence at the same level is uncommon (roughly 5–10%). Core strengthening, proper lifting technique, weight control and ergonomic habits substantially reduce this risk.