A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, typically feels like sharp, severe, or shooting pain that may radiate from the back or neck into other areas such as the buttocks, thighs, calves, feet, shoulders, or arms, depending on the location of the herniation

. This pain often worsens with activity, sitting, coughing, or sneezing, and may improve when lying down

. In addition to pain, a slipped disc can cause numbness, tingling, or a pins- and-needles sensation in the affected areas, which results from the disc pressing on nearby nerves

. Muscle weakness in the limbs may also occur if nerve compression is significant

. The pain is usually sharper and more intense than typical muscle strain, and it can be accompanied by burning or electrical sensations

. The exact symptoms vary depending on which disc is affected and which nerves are irritated or compressed. In summary, a slipped disc feels like:

• Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the back or neck, radiating to limbs
• Numbness or tingling (pins and needles) in shoulders, arms, legs, or feet
• Muscle weakness in the affected areas
• Pain worsened by movement, sitting, coughing, or sneezing
• Possible relief when lying down