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Help relieve the pain

	The good news is that in 9 out of 10 cases, the pain from a slipped disk gets better on its own. But it can take awhile, and it can be hard to wait if you're in a lot of pain and can't move normally. ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments for a slipped disk that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today to find out whether physical therapy, surgery or medication rates best for treating a slipped disk.

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with a slipped disk, Consumer Reports Health can help with the best research and expert evidence and advice about treatments.

Key points about slipped disks

• A slipped disk can cause severe back pain.
• Most people who have a slipped disk also get sciatica. Sciatica is a sharp, stabbing pain that runs down through one buttock and into one of your legs. It happens if the disk presses on a nerve.
• Slipped disks are not very common. Only about 1 in 25 people who have pain in their lower back caused by a physical problem have a slipped disk.
• Although it can be painful, a slipped disk isn't usually dangerous. It will probably get better on its own.
• If you think you might need surgery, it's worth it to wait six to eight weeks to see if your symptoms improve.

Doctors call this condition a herniated disk. We've used the term slipped disk because that's what most people know it as, even though the disk has not really "slipped" at all. You also may hear people call it a ruptured disk or a disk prolapse. Disks are part of your backbone, or spine. A slipped disk means that one of the disks in your spine has been damaged and may be pressing on a nerve.

A slipped disk generally gets better on its own, usually within about six weeks; however, certain treatments may be recommended to treat the damage and the pain. We encourage you to read our entire condition report, and to consult with your doctor to learn more about slipped disks. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you. Our in-depth, complete report on slipped disks including Treatment Ratings, is available to subscribers.