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When Is Back Pain More Than Just a Strain?

When Is Back Pain More Than Just a Strain?
When Is Back Pain More Than Just a Strain?

Understanding Slipped Discs and Common Back Health Myths

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints today. Whether it happens after a long workday, an intense gym session, or simply waking up stiff in the morning, many people dismiss it as a normal part of life.

But according to Dr Colum Nolan, certain symptoms may signal a deeper spinal issue that should not be ignored.

Speaking on Gold 90.5FM’s The Breakfast Club on 29 April 2026, Dr Nolan shared insights on slipped discs, recovery expectations, and several common habits people believe may affect their back health.

🎧 Catch this radio discussion clip here: https://www.instagram.com/oxfordspineneuro.sg/

What Exactly Is a Slipped Disc?

Despite the name, a “slipped disc” does not mean the disc literally slips out of place.
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, separated by soft cushioning discs that absorb shock and allow flexibility. A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, occurs when part of the disc bulges outward and presses against nearby nerves.
Depending on where the compression occurs, symptoms may include:
  • Lower back or neck pain
  • Pain radiating into the arms or legs
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Difficulty standing or walking comfortably
Dr Nolan explained that while the condition can sound concerning, many slipped disc cases can be managed without surgery.

Most Slipped Disc Cases Recover Without Surgery

One of the key takeaways from the radio discussion was that the majority of slipped disc cases improve with conservative treatment and time.
Management may include:
  • Activity modification
  • Physiotherapy
  • Pain management medication
  • Guided rehabilitation exercises
As inflammation settles and the surrounding muscles strengthen, symptoms often gradually improve.
However, Dr Nolan highlighted that medical attention becomes important when symptoms persist, worsen, or begin affecting nerve function. Signs such as progressive weakness, severe nerve pain, or changes in bladder or bowel control may require urgent assessment.
For selected patients with significant nerve compression or persistent neurological symptoms, surgery may sometimes be considered to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.

Common Spine Concepts Explained by Neurosurgeon

  1. Can Heavy Lifting Exercises Damage Your Back?

    Another topic discussed during the segment was whether heavy lifting exercises increase the risk of slipped discs or spinal injury.
    According to Dr Nolan, exercise itself is not necessarily harmful to the spine. In fact, maintaining muscle strength and fitness can help support long term spinal health.
    The issue often comes from:
    • Poor lifting technique
    • Sudden excessive strain
    • Inadequate conditioning
    • Repetitive overload without sufficient recovery
    Improper posture or attempting weights beyond one’s physical capacity may place excessive stress on the spine and surrounding structures.
    Rather than avoiding exercise completely, Dr Nolan emphasised the importance of proper form, gradual progression, and understanding personal physical limitations.

  2. Do You Need Monthly Chiropractic “Adjustments”?

    The conversation also touched on whether regular chiropractic “adjustments” are necessary for maintaining spinal health.
    Dr Nolan shared that personally, he does not think individuals without any existing back issues necessarily need routine spinal adjustments. However, he also explained that occasional adjustments are not necessarily harmful for everyone.
    That said, persistent or recurring back pain should still be properly evaluated to understand the underlying cause rather than relying solely on repeated manipulation for temporary relief.
    For individuals with certain pre existing spinal conditions, excessive or overly frequent spinal manipulation may sometimes aggravate symptoms instead of improving them. Repeated adjustments performed without understanding the underlying condition could potentially worsen nerve irritation, joint instability, or existing spinal degeneration in selected cases.
    This may be especially relevant for individuals already experiencing:
    • Persistent nerve pain
    • Disc related conditions
    • Spinal instability
    • Progressive numbness or weakness
    Instead of relying solely on repeated adjustments, Dr Nolan highlighted the importance of understanding why symptoms keep recurring and addressing the root cause through a broader long term approach that may include:
    • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
    • Strengthening exercises
    • Posture and ergonomic awareness
    • Lifestyle modifications
    • Appropriate medical assessment

  3. Should You Train Through Back Pain?

    Another topic discussed during the radio segment was whether people should continue exercising through back pain.
    According to Dr Nolan, “pushing through” pain especially for individuals with existing back conditions may not always be advisable and could potentially worsen the underlying issue.
    While exercise remains important for overall spinal health, continuing intense training despite ongoing pain may place additional stress on already irritated muscles, joints, discs, or nerves.
    Instead, allowing sufficient recovery between sessions and paying attention to pain signals may be more beneficial in certain situations.
    Dr Nolan emphasised that persistent pain should not simply be ignored or “trained through,” especially when symptoms are worsening, recurring frequently, or affecting daily activities.

  4. Is Cracking Your Back Harmful?

    Many people are familiar with the sensation of “cracking” their back, either on their own or through someone else.
    Dr Nolan explained that occasional joint cracking is commonly related to pressure changes within the joints and is not always harmful by itself. However, forceful or repeated manipulation especially by untrained individuals may not be advisable for people with underlying spinal conditions.
    While the sensation may provide temporary relief, it does not necessarily address the actual source of pain or stiffness.
    Understanding what is causing the discomfort remains more important than repeatedly forcing the spine to “crack.”

Listening to Your Spine

Back pain can arise from many different causes ranging from muscle strain and poor posture to nerve compression and spinal degeneration.

While many spinal conditions improve with conservative care, persistent or worsening symptoms should not simply be ignored or normalised.

As shared during the Gold 90.5FM interview, maintaining spinal health is often less about avoiding movement and more about understanding the body, practising safe habits, and seeking timely assessment when symptoms do not improve.

This article is based on educational discussions shared by Dr Colum Nolan during his guest appearance on Gold 90.5FM’s The Breakfast Club on 29 April 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should consult a licensed medical professional for proper assessment and personalised recommendations.

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