There’s not a whole lot of slipping when it comes to slipped discs

A sneeze can signal certain health problems, like a cold or an allergic reaction.

But it’s not just a symptom – for one of my patients last week, a plain, old sneeze ended up with them having to visit the surgery.

The familiar sensation – where it seems like the whole upper-body area convulses – resulted in back pain that was only relieved when she lay flat.

She felt the pain shooting down the back of her right leg, as well as some numbness and pins and needles.

This sounded to me like a slipped disc. Contrary to how it sounds there’s not a lot of slipping going on here.

The bones of the spine are called vertebrae, and between each is a disc. What happens when a disc “slips” is that the jelly-like centre bulges out through the disc’s fibrous outer part and may press on a nerve nearby.

This can happen due to lifting something awkwardly or even a simple sneeze, but there are some things that increase the chance of it happening.

Working in a warehouse or supermarket or as a carer – basically any job which involves lots of lifting – can do it, but folk such as taxi drivers can get it, too.

That’s because jobs involving lots of sitting, especially driving, make it more likely. Other risk factors include increasing age, obesity and smoking.

It used to be that folk with slipped discs were told to lie down and keep immobile, or even put in traction.

But rest can actually slow recovery, so it’s now recommended to keep as active as possible, which can obviously be a bit difficult.

Generally, I tell patients to start moving as soon as they can, even though it may be uncomfortable, although to avoid any lifting.

Paracetamol, anti-inflammatories and stronger painkillers such as codeine should ease pain.

Some experience spasms in the back muscles at first, so musclerelaxants like diazepam can help. Nerve pain can be helped by other medications, such as amitriptyline.

A physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath may be able to help, and there are surgical options if pain fails to settle after a number of weeks.

It’s worth noting that certain forms of lower back pain might need more urgent attention.

If you experience lower back pain along with inability to pass urine, numbness in the saddle area, and weakness in the legs, then phone for urgent advice.