Herniated Disc Causes

Herniated Disc Causes

Discs in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine are larger and more prone to injury than those in the thoracic region which has less flexibility and range of motion. Based on the individual’s spinal structure and motion, disc herniations are more likely to occur either towards the back, by the spinal cord, or towards the sides, by the nerve roots. Causes include aging, weight, trauma, and genetics.

Aging

As our bodies age, structures that contained a lot of water and moisture, such as the skin and the spinal discs, begin to dry. This dehydration process that occurs naturally with aging causes the discs to degenerate and shrink; it is the most common cause of disease in spinal discs. In addition, wear caused by movement can create tears in the outer annulus portion. The tears in the annulus make it easier for the inner nucleus pulposus to be released, creating a herniated disc.

Weight

Weight is another common cause of disc herniations because the spine, particularly the lumbar region, supports most of your body weight. As weight increases beyond a healthy level, the vertebral bodies struggle under the increased pressure and this is transferred to the discs. The pressure squeezes the discs, which results in the development of annulus tears and nucleus pulposus leaks. Weight and obesity can lead to recurring herniations at the same disc.

Trauma

Chronic trauma caused by repetitive motions and tasks often related to occupation, leisure, or sports can create wear on the disks. This is particularly common when the discs are subjected to repeated stress from tasks, such as physical labor jobs, that involve bending, lifting, and twisting of the lumbar spine. Wear increases with the amount of repetition and stress.

Acute trauma is any single occurrence event, such as an automobile accident, that places a large amount of stress on the spine. The large excess pressure placed on the spine causes the disc to herniate immediately instead of over time like it does with chronic trauma.

Genetics

Disc herniations are more likely with certain genetics; the likelihood of disc herniation or degeneration increases if other family members struggled with similar issues. The direct causation is still being researched but there is evidence to support a relationship between genetics and predisposition to disc herniations.

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