Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
đ¨Emergency? If you have severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or think it's an emergency, call 000 immediately.
Slipped Disc (Lower Back)
A slipped disc in your lower back happens when the soft cushion between your spine bones bulges out and presses on a nerve. Learn about sciatica, treatment options, and recovery.
đWhat is Slipped Disc (Lower Back)?
A slipped disc in your lower back happens when the soft cushion between your spine bones bulges out and presses on a nerve. Learn about sciatica, treatment options, and recovery.
đŦWhat Causes It?
- Sudden lifting or twisting (most herniated discs happen this way)
- Gradual wear and tear of the disc over time
- Disc already weakened, then minor movement triggers the bulge
- Genetics - some families have weaker disc structure
- Previous back injury making disc vulnerable
â ī¸Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- Age 30-50 years (peak time for disc herniations)
- Jobs involving heavy lifting, bending, or twisting
- Driving or sitting for long periods
- Being overweight (extra load on lower back discs)
- Smoking (reduces oxygen to discs, weakening them)
- Previous episodes of back pain
- Tall height (longer spine means more stress on discs)
đĄī¸Prevention
- âLearn proper lifting technique - bend knees, keep back straight, lift close to body
- âMaintain strong core muscles with regular exercises
- âMaintain healthy weight - reduces load on lower back discs
- âQuit smoking - smoking damages disc nutrition
- âAvoid prolonged sitting - take standing breaks every 30 minutes
- âStay generally active - walking, swimming, cycling
- âUse proper ergonomics at work
- âIf you've had one disc herniation, you're at higher risk for another - continue core exercises