Herniated Disk: Causes, Risk Factors & Prevention

A herniated disk can cause pain and muscle weakness and could require surgical treatment. You can reduce your chance of experiencing one by knowing its different causes and risk factors.

Herniated Disk

• The intervertebral disks in your spine cushion your vertebrae and act as a shock absorber for your back. A herniated disk occurs when one of them ruptures or slips out of place, putting pressure on nerves near your spine.

Aging

• One risk factor for a herniated disk is age. As you grow older, your intervertebral disks lose moisture and become less flexible. This causes them to be more likely to herniate.

Career

• If your career involves repetitive strenuous movement or lifting heavy objects, you are more likely to experience a herniated disk.

Other Risk Factors

• Other risk factors for a herniated disk include being overweight, which puts extra pressure on your spine. Moreover, smoking can cause your intervertebral disks to weaken.

Considerations

• You can help reduce your risk of experiencing a herniated disk by losing weight and quitting smoking. Exercising to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles will better support your spine. Take care to always use proper lifting techniques.