Ruptured Disc: Symptoms and Treatment

A ruptured disc is another name for a herniated disc, where the soft centre breaks through the outer ring. It can cause sudden back and leg pain. Despite the dramatic name, most ruptured discs are treated without surgery, and ruptured material is often reabsorbed by the body over time.

Symptoms

• Sharp back pain, often after lifting or twisting
• Pain, numbness or tingling down one leg (sciatica) or arm
• Pain worse when sitting, coughing or sneezing

Back or leg pain for more than 6 weeks? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.

Ruptured disc treatment

• Movement and physiotherapy
• Pain relief
• Epidural steroid injection for severe leg pain
• Ruptured disc surgery (usually microdiscectomy) if red flags appear or pain does not settle

Large ruptures are not always worse: some studies suggest larger fragments are more likely to shrink on their own.