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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Musculoskeletal Conditions

Herniated disc

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, herniated disc means: A condition in which the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes out through its outer layer and may press on a nearby nerve.

In Turkish: disk hernisi, bel fıtığı, boyun fıtığı

How it is used

Also called a disc herniation, disc prolapse or, informally, a 'slipped disc'. Physiotherapists often explain that many herniated discs seen on scans cause no pain and that many painful ones improve over time. It can cause sciatica if it irritates a nerve root. The US spelling is disk.

Example sentences

  1. The MRI shows a herniated disc at L5/S1 pressing on the S1 nerve root.

  2. Many people with a herniated disc get better without surgery.

Common collocations

  • lumbar disc herniation
  • disc prolapse
  • slipped disc
  • disc bulge
  • sciaticaPain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve, sometimes with numbness or tingling.
  • low back painPain felt in the lower part of the back, between the bottom of the ribs and the buttocks, sometimes spreading into the leg.
  • red flagsSigns or symptoms that suggest a possibly serious medical problem, such as cancer, infection, fracture or nerve compression, which needs urgent medical review.
  • referred painPain felt in a different part of the body from where the problem actually is, for example hip problems felt in the knee.

More terms: Musculoskeletal Conditions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.