Slipped disc: when to see a doctor and your first visit
A herniated disc can press on nearby nerves, according to MedlinePlus. Changes in urination or loss of feeling need medical attention at the urgency shown in the box below. For an appointment with me at the San Pedro de Alcántara clinic or at home, get in touch by WhatsApp or phone.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only · Home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona
Comprehensive Body Assessment €70 at the clinic · €120 at home
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
When to see a doctor or call 112
Call 112 or go to A&E (urgencias)
- Numbness around the anus or genital area, alongside back pain.
- Being unable to pee, difficulty peeing, or losing control of your bladder or bowels.
- Losing feeling in one leg or both legs.
- Pain, pins and needles, weakness or numbness affecting both legs.
- Different sensation in your genitals (penis or vagina) during sex.
- Being unable to get or keep an erection, or being unable to reach orgasm.
- Chest pain alongside the back pain.
- Pain following a serious accident, for example a collision in a car.
NHS guidance is to avoid driving to A&E yourself. Get someone else to drive or call 112.
Ask for urgent medical attention
- Feeling hot or cold, having shivers or feeling unwell alongside back pain.
- Severe pain beginning suddenly, or pain getting worse quickly.
Book an appointment with your doctor
- Pain persisting after a few weeks of care at home.
- Pain disrupting everyday activities, worrying you or becoming hard to cope with.
- Weight loss without trying to lose weight.
- A lump, swelling or a change in the shape of your back.
- Pain that continues despite rest, or gets worse at night.
- Pain made worse by sneezing, coughing or having a poo.
- Pain coming from your upper back, between your shoulders.
- Severe back pain that will not go away, as described by MedlinePlus.
- Any numbness, loss of movement or weakness: MedlinePlus says to contact your doctor; signs in the first group need emergency care.
List based on MedlinePlus, “Herniated disk”, and the NHS, “Slipped disc” and “Back pain”, checked on 5 November 2026.
Osteopathy does not replace your doctor or any medication you have been prescribed.
What a slipped disc is
MedlinePlus describes a herniated or slipped disc as disc material pushing through a weakened part of a disc in the spine.
Discs sit between the spinal bones and allow movement between them. An injury or strain can move a disc out of place or rupture it. MedlinePlus says the lower back, or lumbar region, is affected most often, followed by the neck, or cervical region.
According to MedlinePlus, a herniated disc in the lower back may cause sharp pain in the leg, hip or buttocks, numbness and weakness in the leg. For a herniated disc in the neck, the same source describes pain when moving the neck, near the shoulder blade or spreading to the upper arm, forearm and fingers.
Your doctor is responsible for the diagnosis. MedlinePlus describes a health history and physical examination as the starting point. MRI and CT scans are among the tests a doctor may request.
Related topics include lumbago, sciatica and back pain.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, “Herniated disk”, reviewed 27 August 2024. Accessed 5 November 2026.
- NHS, “Slipped disc”, reviewed 24 April 2024. Accessed 5 November 2026.
- NHS, “Back pain”, reviewed 5 March 2026. Accessed 5 November 2026.
If you come with a slipped disc: the first visit
Tell me which visit you want
In your WhatsApp message, name your town and choose a clinic or home appointment. You can also phone me. We agree a day and time.
We start with a conversation
The first appointment is the Comprehensive Body Assessment: a case history, a full check and first contact. A case history means discussing your health history.
I observe and listen
I observe and listen to you, assess your case and do some first hands-on work. There is no single action on an isolated area: I look at your body as one single, indivisible unit.
If I have doubts
If I’m unsure about your case or unable to work with you, I recommend that you visit your doctor.
How I work
I do thorough hands-on sessions. The posture recommendations and exercises I give you for home are personalised. I make no promises.
My osteopathy page describes my work more generally.
Prices
Choosing a location and checking the cost
The address for my San Pedro de Alcántara clinic is C/ Ilusión 17, Fuente Nueva. I see clients by appointment only. An unpaved car park 50 m away is free to use.
For an appointment at home, I can come to a house, hotel or villa in San Pedro or Benahavís. I also cover Marbella, including Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús, and Estepona with prior notice.
- First clinic appointment: €70 for the Comprehensive Body Assessment, lasting 60 minutes.
- First home appointment: €120 for the Comprehensive Body Assessment.
- Osteopathy at the clinic: each session costs €70.
- Osteopathy at home: sessions start at €100.
You can pay by bank transfer, Bizum or cash. I don’t work with insurers. You can compare visit options in my price list.
For medical emergencies, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Reports, tests and preparing to come
Should I bring the report with my diagnosis?
Yes. If your doctor or specialist has given you reports or test results, bring them when you come. They are welcome but not required.
Is an X-ray enough to tell what has happened to the disc?
MedlinePlus says a spinal X-ray alone cannot diagnose a herniated disc.
When could I see you after a back operation?
The doctor who looked after you has the final say. I need their go-ahead and medical discharge before starting, following their instructions and safety requirements.
Can someone come with me, and what should I wear?
Yes, a companion can stay for your session at either location, home or clinic. Choose comfortable clothing.
Should I ask you about changing my medication?
Medication decisions are your doctor’s responsibility.
What if I suddenly cannot pee?
The NHS says to call 112 or go to A&E (urgencias) if you have back pain and cannot pee. See the list of warning signs above.
Tell me what kind of visit you need and where
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
To arrange a visit, tell me your town and whether you prefer the clinic or a home visit. Don’t send diagnoses, reports or medical test results by message.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only; home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona. Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
I do the sessions in Spanish or English.