Slipped Disc Symptoms: “I thought it was a muscle pull”: The early symptoms of slipped discs explained | – The Times of India
Back pain usually begins quietly. A slight strain after lifting a suitcase. A stiff neck after a long drive. Many people brush it aside, assuming it is just a pulled muscle. But sometimes, that “muscle pull” is the first sign of something deeper, a slipped disc.Dr Sanjay Kapoor, Consultant – Robotic Joint Replacement & Orthopaedic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, told TOI Health, “A slipped disc is one of the most common problems causing back pain and nerve issues. What people often think of as a mere muscle pull can be more than that, it may be a symptom of a slipped disc.”Understanding the early signs can make a real difference. It can prevent months of pain and, in rare cases, permanent nerve damage.
What exactly is a slipped disc?
The spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. Between these bones sit soft, cushion-like discs. These discs act as shock absorbers. They help the spine bend and move.A slipped disc, also called a herniated disc, happens when the soft inner portion of the disc pushes out through a crack in the tougher outer layer. When this bulge presses on nearby nerves, pain begins.Dr Kapoor says, “A slipped disc is a spinal condition that can happen anywhere in the spinal column. The disc can press on nearby spinal nerves, including the sciatic nerve. This causes intense pain that radiates down to one or both legs.”The condition is common. According to the National Library of Medicine, lumbar disc herniation is one of the leading causes of sciatica and lower back pain.In India, data from Cureus shows that low back pain is among the top causes of years lived with disability.
Why it feels like a simple muscle pull
In the early stage, the pain can look harmless. It may begin after bending, lifting, or twisting. Sometimes, it starts without any clear injury.Dr Kapoor explains, “At first, the symptoms of a herniated disc are very similar to those of a strained muscle. The discomfort may start all at once or come on slowly. Given that muscle pulls are frequent and generally not serious, people often overlook the symptoms.”Muscle pain usually improves within a few days. Disc-related pain behaves differently. It may:
- Last longer than expected
- Increase over time
- Spread from the back to the leg or arm
That spreading pain is the red flag. It suggests that a nerve is involved.
Early symptoms that should not be ignored
A slipped disc does not always shout. Sometimes, it whispers. Dr Kapoor points out, “Some slipped discs don’t cause noticeable symptoms. Because of this, they are usually ignored or misdiagnosed at an early stage.”When symptoms do appear, they often follow a pattern:
- Lower back or neck pain that does not improve with rest
- Pain that travels to the buttocks and down the leg
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or leg
- Weakness in the limb
- In rare but serious cases, loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain that moves is not typical muscle pain. It is
nerve pain .
The National Health Service (NHS), UK, notes that sciatica caused by disc herniation often presents with shooting pain, pins and needles, or numbness down one leg.
The science behind the radiating pain
Why does the pain travel down the leg when the problem is in the back?Nerves from the spinal cord branch out and travel to different parts of the body. When a disc presses on one of these nerves, the brain feels pain along the entire nerve pathway.That is why someone may feel pain in the calf even though the problem sits in the lower spine. This is not imagination. It is anatomy.
When to seek urgent medical help
Most slipped discs improve with conservative care. But some signs need quick medical attention.Dr Kapoor cautions, “Warning signs that necessitate urgent medical attention include pain with weakness in the limbs or loss of bladder or bowel control.”These symptoms may signal severe nerve compression. Delaying care in such cases can risk long-term nerve damage.Back pain is common. But back pain with weakness is different.
How it is treated today
Treatment depends on severity.Dr Kapoor explains, “A slipped disc can be treated with rest, pain control, physiotherapy, posture correction, and exercises. Lifestyle changes such as weight control and correcting working posture are equally important.”Most patients improve without surgery. Physiotherapy strengthens the muscles that support the spine. Weight management reduces pressure on the discs.However, surgery may be needed if conservative treatment fails.“In cases where symptoms do not improve, or when there is nerve pinching that leads to weakness or loss of function, surgical options like microdiscectomy or endoscopic discectomy are recommended,” he says.
The larger lesson: Listen to persistent pain
Not all back or neck pain is a muscle strain. Pain that lingers, spreads, or brings numbness deserves attention.There is a quote often attributed to Hippocrates: “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” Early diagnosis creates that opportunity.Dr Kapoor sums it up clearly: “If the pain continues, spreads, or is accompanied by loss of sensation or weakness, it probably indicates a slipped disc. Early diagnosis with properly aligned treatment is necessary to prevent nerve damage and help patients return to normal activities safely.”Back pain is common. Ignoring warning signs should not be.Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr Sanjay Kapoor, Consultant – Robotic Joint Replacement & Orthopaedic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, GurugramInputs were used to explain how early symptoms of a slipped disc are often mistaken for a simple muscle pull, and why one should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and timely treatment if pain persists or worsens.