What Does a Slipped Disc Feel Like? (A Simple Malaysian Guide)

Spinenetwork MY
May 23
2 min read

Ever felt sharp pain down one leg? Numbness in your foot? Or a weird "electrical" shock when you bend forward?Most Malaysians think it’s just biasa sakit belakang. But it could actually be a slipped disc.

At My Spine Network, we meet people from Shah Alam daily who only realise months later that their pain was something more serious. Here's how you can tell if that pain you're feeling is more than just muscle soreness.

🧠 First, What Is a Slipped Disc?

A slipped disc (also called herniated disc) happens when one of the soft cushions between your spinal bones bulges or leaks out. This bulge can press on nerves, causing pain in areas you don’t expect—like your leg, foot, or even buttock.

🤕 What Slipped Disc Pain Actually Feels Like

Here's how to tell the difference between a regular backache and a possible slipped disc:

1. Pain That Shoots Down One Leg

🚨 Feels like: Electric shock, burning, or deep ache🔍 Example: “Bila berdiri lama atau bangun dari duduk, tiba-tiba rasa sakit sampai ke betis sebelah kiri.”

This is sciatica, and it often signals nerve compression from a disc.

2. Numbness or Tingling

Feels like: “Semut-semut”, kebas, or like your leg fell asleep🔍 Where: Usually in the toes, foot, or outer thigh❗ If it’s only on one side, it’s more likely related to a nerve issue from the spine.

3. One Side Weakness

Feels like: One leg feels “lembik” or hard to lift🧠 Explanation: The slipped disc may be affecting motor nerves—not just causing pain, but also muscle weakness.

4. Pain Worse When Sitting, Coughing, or Sneezing

Why: These actions increase pressure in your spine🔍 Example: “Setiap kali saya bersin, sakit belakang mencucuk sampai ke punggung.”

This is a classic red flag of disc-related pain.

🏠 Real Talk: Malaysian Lifestyles That Trigger It

Living in Shah Alam or working long hours sitting in the Klang Valley traffic? You’re at higher risk if:

You drive long distances (e.g. Shah Alam to KL daily)
You sit >6 hours per day at work
You frequently lift heavy items at home (e.g. toddlers, groceries, water filters)
You sleep on a soft mattress with poor support

🛑 Don’t Confuse It with “Biasa Sakit Urat”

Many of our patients come after months of urut or painkillers, not realising it was a disc issue all along.

“Saya ingat sakit biasa je, lepas urut hilang sikit. Tapi lepas tu datang balik, makin teruk.”

If the pain:

Shoots down your leg
Is worse with movement or sitting
Comes with numbness or weakness...

👉 It’s time to get checked properly.

🩺 Should You Get an MRI First?

Not always. At My Spine Network, we do a thorough orthopaedic and neurological assessment first.Many slipped discs can be identified clinically—without jumping straight to an MRI.