Slip Disc vs Sciatica: Doctor Explains Key Differences, Treatment & Causes

• Slip disc is a structural spinal issue where a disc shifts or protrudes, pressuring nerves, causing back pain, tingling, or numbness.
• Sciatica is a symptom, not a disease, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to intense shooting pain from the lower back to the foot.
• While slip disc is a major cause of sciatica, other factors like muscle strain, bone problems, or poor posture can also trigger sciatica.
• Treatments differ: slip disc often involves physiotherapy, painkillers, and exercise, with surgery for severe cases.
• Sciatica treatment focuses on reducing nerve pressure through medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes; prompt diagnosis is crucial.

Why It Matters: Understand the distinct causes and treatments of slip disc and sciatica for effective pain management.