Patients suffering with a slipped disk for more than six months before having surgery have poorer outcomes than those who are treated at an earlier stage, according to a new study.

Arthritis Ireland, commenting on the research, said it underlined the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

US researchers, in a study of 1,200 patients, also found that operating on skipped disk problems was a far more  effective treatment than non-surgical management, such as taking painkillers or massage therapy.

Scientists found that in general, slipped disk patients who had symptoms for more than six months had less improvement in pain, function, general health and work status.

While patients who have symptoms for a long period can still find benefit from treatment, "they may not reap as much benefit as those who have had symptoms for six months or less", according to one of the research team, Dr Jeffrey Rihn.

An Arthritis Ireland spokesperson said: “as with many conditions, early diagnosis with arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders in general is very important. Anyone who has experienced prolonged pain over a period of time should contact their doctor to limit their chances of suffering permanent damage.”

The research is published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.