A spine doctor plays a critical role in diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions like slip disc and sciatica, which can severely impact quality of life. Slip disc, also known as a herniated disc, occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer casing, potentially pressing on nearby nerves. Sciatica, often caused by a herniated disc, refers to nerve pain that radiates down the leg, typically from the lower back.