Can I slip the same disc twice?

[Queenbean]

I had two prolapsed discs about 5 years ago, confirmed by MRI with no surgery but instead painkillers and plenty of physio

I would then go every few months with a sharp pain in my lower back and muscles around my lower back going in to spasm, struggling to walk up straight, being unable to sit in a chair for long etc. these symptoms would be for a few days and then go.

I haven't felt even a twinge in my back for about 18 months - 2 years but did this again this weekend. I'm now wondering what it is - is it a further slipping / prolapse of a disc? Is it a new injury of a different disc? Is it my body telling me to take it easy so I don't injure a disc?

I can feel the symptoms easing quickly and am about walking like normal which hasn't happened before. Just wondering how much to worry about it or just to do what I've done in the past for recovery

Google doesn't help so I thought MN would!

[Queenbean]

Bump

[MatildaTheCat]

I think it is definitely your body telling you something is up. Only a scan can tell you if the discs have re-herniated ( yes,they can) but you won't get a scan based on this alone. So listen to your body and take it easy, apply heat if it helps and avoid sitting for any length of time. Take painkillers if you need to. You don't mention leg pain but watch out for that.

If it's getting better already it sounds like a warning bell worth listening to. Hope it continues to improve.

[Danglyweed]

Im in the same kind of position, every 6-12 months my back goes. Its presumed to be the same herniated disc ive had trouble with for 10 years

[allypally999]

Short answer is yes you can. I did this several times and then when it slipped it never went back (had to have surgery). To avoid this ... go to the gym or get a personal trainer or physio and get your core rock solid .. when I went to the gym I was fine but a couple of years after I stopped disaster struck. As Matilda says this is a warning ... do NOT ignore it please.