Herniated Disc Causes

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Herniated Disc Causes

The intervertebral discs allow for movement and flexibility in the back and cushion vertebrae, protecting the bones from the effects of harsh impact and strenuous exercises. A healthy spinal disc consists of two layers: a tough outer layer and a soft inner layer. Herniated disc is a condition in which this outer layer tears and allows the soft layer to ooze out.

Herniated disc causes and the symptoms resulting from the condition can vary significantly from person to person. While there are limitless ways a person can come to suffer from a ruptured disc, herniated disc causes can usually be boiled down to one or a combination of several factors. Some of the more common include:

Aging - The most common culprit behind a herniated disc is simply aging. As the body gets older, spinal discs become weaker and more susceptible to injury, including tearing.
Genetics - Just as some people are genetically predisposed to be taller or have weaker bones, some people's genes make them more likely to experience a torn disc.
Sports - Rough sports like football or rugby can cause a herniated disc either with one significant incident or many over time by wearing the disc down.
Car accident - Because they can be so physically traumatic and put such pressure on the spine, car crashes often cause herniated discs.
Other traumatic injury - Anything that is rough enough to create pressure on the spinal discs can cause a herniated disc.

Addressing Herniated Disc Causes

While many people with herniated disc never experience symptoms, those who do can experience them in a range from mild to debilitating. For these people, conservative treatments like pain medicines, rest, stretching, and spinal decompression can provide ample relief. However, a minority must turn to more serious treatments like surgery to alleviate symptoms. For those people, endoscopic spine surgery provides a safe and effective alternative to open back and neck procedures.

For more information on herniated disc causes, as well as endoscopic spine treatments for the condition, contact Laser Spine Institute. We'll be happy to review your MRI or CT scan free of charge and let you know if you qualify for the procedure.

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