What Causes a Herniated Disc?

Disc Degeneration Due to Aging

The most common cause of herniated discs is disc degeneration due to aging. The discs in your spine serve as a cushion between your vertebrae, preventing them from rubbing or grinding against each other. As you age, your discs begin to dry out and weaken, making them much more susceptible to cracks and breaks. Dry discs will begin to shrink, causing the spaces between the vertebrae to become narrower. A chiropractor can determine if you are suffering from disc degeneration, and can provide tips that may help you avoid a herniated disc.

Poor Technique When Lifting Heavy Objects

If you already suffer from disc degeneration, you’re at a higher risk of a herniated disc if you use poor technique when lifting heavy objects. Dry, shrunken discs can easily become ruptured or broken when you twist your body while lifting, or lift using your back muscles instead of your leg muscles. A chiropractor can demonstrate the proper way to lift to avoid a herniated disc. If you have a herniated disc, he might recommend physical therapy or spinal decompression for pain management, sciatica treatment, and back pain relief.

Repetitive Bending, Lifting, Pulling, or Twisting

Repetitive activities like bending, lifting, pulling, or twisting can also increase your risk of a herniated disc if you already have disc degeneration. Your job, lifestyle, or athletic activities might require that you do these motions over and over again, which can cause your discs to fracture, bulge, or crack. When this happens, you might suffer from back pain, leg pain, and sciatica, and you must visit a chiropractor quickly for treatment.