5 Risk Factors That Can Lead to a Herniated Disc

An unseen hazard might be lurking in your daily activities, something with the potential to cause a herniated disc. This condition, where the soft interior of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher exterior, can lead to severe discomfort. It's a silent but significant health issue that can disrupt your everyday life.

At Innovative Pain Medicine, Usman Saleem, MD, MSPT, and the rest of our team work closely with patients to accurately diagnose the source of their pain and create a treatment plan to help them get relief. Herniated discs are common, and when a herniated disc strikes, it can make it nearly impossible to go about your regular activities without pain. 

Understanding herniated discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in its tough exterior casing. Disc herniation often occurs in the lower back, though it can also happen in the neck. While some people might not experience symptoms, others can experience intense pain if the herniation compresses nearby nerves.

Symptoms of a herniated disc

The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary significantly depending on the location of the herniation and whether the disc is pressing on a nerve. Common symptoms include arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling, and in some cases, muscle weakness in the affected area. 

Five herniated disc risk factors

The following are five common factors that can lead to a herniated disc:

Factor #1: Repetitive bending and twisting

Repetitive bending and twisting, regardless of whether part of a job, hobby, or sport, can increase the risk of developing a herniated disc. These movements apply continual pressure to the spine and its discs, causing the outer layer to weaken or tear over time. 

If the inner core of a disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, a herniated disc occurs. Activities such as golf, which involves repetitive twisting, or weightlifting, which includes recurring bending, are particularly linked with a higher risk of this condition. 

Factor #2: Excess body weight

Excess weight, especially obesity, is another significant risk factor for a herniated disc. The additional weight places an increased burden on the discs in your lower back, leading to accelerated wear and tear and potentially causing the disc to herniate. 

Moreover, individuals who are overweight often have a sedentary lifestyle, which can weaken the muscles that support the spine, adding further strain to the discs. Improving dietary habits and increasing physical activity are often effective measures to manage weight and reduce this risk.

Factor #3: Age

Age is a crucial factor in the development of a herniated disc. As we age, the discs in our spine lose some of their water content, a process known as disc degeneration. This reduction in fluid makes the discs more prone to cracks and tears, potentially leading to herniation. 

It's a common occurrence that often starts in one's 30s or 40s and progresses with age. At Innovative Pain Medicine, we frequently see patients in these age groups presenting symptoms of herniated discs, underlining the importance of regular spinal health check-ups as we age.

Factor #4: Genetics

Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing a herniated disc. You may be at a higher risk if multiple family members have had a herniated disc. Although you can't change your genetics, being aware of this risk can motivate you to take preventative measures in other controllable areas, like maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding unnecessary strain on your back.

Factor #5: Sedentary lifestyle

A lack of regular exercise can lead to a herniated disc. Without exercise, the muscles that support the spine can weaken, putting more pressure on the discs. Incorporating strength training into your exercise routine can help to protect your spine and decrease your risk.

Getting relief from a herniated disc

When it comes to treating a herniated disc, there are multiple strategies we can deploy. Percutaneous microdiscectomy is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment we offer at Innovative Pain Medicine. 

A small incision is made in this procedure, and a needle-like instrument is used to remove a portion of the herniated disc causing pain. This method requires minimal cutting and is less invasive than traditional open surgery, allowing quicker recovery times. 

Many patients experience significant relief from their symptoms after this procedure, making it a valuable option in our treatment strategies.

It's all about personalizing a treatment plan that gives you the best chance of recovery and relief from pain. If you've been diagnosed with a herniated disc, or are dealing with back or neck pain, let's discuss how we can help you get back to a life with less pain. 

To get started with herniated disc treatment at Innovative Pain Medicine, call us to schedule your consultation. There is hope for managing herniated disc pain. 

We have four locations in New York City: Brooklyn, Queens, Williston Park, and Port Jefferson Station.