It is difficult to specifically pinpoint herniated disc causes, but the most common of the causes is the natural degeneration of spinal anatomy as we age. The spine is affected by age-related degeneration just as the rest of the body is, and the intervertebral discs – which are constantly absorbing the weight of the upper body and the movements of the vertebrae around them – are especially susceptible to wear and tear. Over time, the discs dehydrate, lose the flexibility they once had, and turn into a more rigid structure. However, the weight placed on them does not change, and the weakened discs are left to do the same job the healthy discs used to do. Oftentimes, the aged discs can no longer support the weight that they once did, and they ultimately tear, or herniate.

Herniated Disc Causes Unrelated to Age

Though age is the foremost of causes attributed to a herniated disc, it is not the only one. Traumatic injuries have also been linked to herniated discs. Excessive physical activity, engaging in contact sports, continually lifting heavy items, and improper lifting techniques can all place excessive pressure on a disc that leads to a disc tear.

Is There Any Way to Prevent Herniated Disc Causes?

Unfortunately, there is no failsafe way to absolutely prevent discs from tearing. No one is completely precluded from experiencing a herniated disc, but some people are more susceptible to the condition than others. There may be no sure way to avoid herniated disc causes, but there are several little things anyone can do to decrease the chances of tearing an intervertebral disc. The most important goal that anyone can strive for in regards to spinal health is managing weight. Keeping a healthy weight is especially important, as less body fat places less pressure on the discs than more weight does, and, in essence, can slow the degenerative process and potentially keep discs healthier longer. Also, not smoking, maintaining proper posture, and getting adequate sleep can also leave you less susceptible to incurring a herniated disc.

Treatment for a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc causes various symptoms to be felt throughout the body, and the person suffering them may have no idea where they are coming from. Fortunately, though, there are treatments for the condition. Usually, discs heal themselves after experiencing a tear, but sometimes not before fluid from the disc’s inner nucleus pulposus seep outs and aggravates nerves in the disc’s wall, or constricts the spinal cord or a nerve root. The aggravation and constriction can cause symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms to be felt at the site of the irritation or along the course of a nerve extending from the affected nerve root. If this is the case for you, visit your doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment. He or she will likely recommend conservative treatment methods at first, such as physical therapy, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or corticosteroid injections. Surgery is available for herniated discs, but it is generally reserved as a last resort treatment option reserved for patients who do not experience relief from conservative treatments. However, before any treatment is begun, the first step always is to pay a visit to your doctor.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for herniated discs and several other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Herniated disc