Your flexible spine has 24 vertebral bones. Between these bones is a vertebral disc that cushions them and protects your spinal cord whenever you move. Vertebral discs are made of slick cartilage with a soft center. Although they are naturally durable, the discs might slip, rupture, or herniate due to degeneration or acute injury. Disc herniation is one of the most prevalent forms of back injury, and it could happen to anybody. Suppose you fall victim to it, it is wise to consult your pain management specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis if you suspect you have a Fair Lawn herniated disc. Meanwhile, continue reading to discover the common risk factors that could lead to disc herniation.
1. Physically Demanding Occupation
Your general activity or occupation can raise your risk of suffering a disc herniation. Physically demanding hobbies or jobs that demand repetitive bending, pulling, lifting, pushing, or twisting can heighten wear and tear on the spine.
Adhering to safety guidelines can reduce your susceptibility to injury. Nonetheless, numerous physically demanding occupations or sports will still speed up the natural degeneration process of your spine.
2. Inappropriate Lifting Techniques
Everybody occasionally experiences the need to move bulky, heavy objects. Whether you lift heavy things just occasionally or are part of your occupation, inappropriate lifting techniques can heighten your risk of a herniated disc.
Inappropriate lifting generally implies lifting the weight with your back and arm muscles rather than utilizing your stronger, larger leg muscles. Once you lift with your back, you exert strain on the spine, rendering injury more probable. Twisting while you lift or as you set down an item also raises your likelihood of disc herniation.
3. Your Age and Perhaps Gender
When you are young, your spine is more robust. With time, your vertebral bones become more fragile, and your vertebral discs harden, a process known as disc herniation. Everybody suffers disc degeneration as they age, and having a family history of the condition could imply more serious symptoms.
Men are also more prone to suffering disc herniation than women. This situation is perhaps because men indulge in more physically demanding work, or activities that can raise their risk of spine injury.
4. Body Weight
Your spine supports the whole upper body, so your body weight impacts your likelihood of disc herniation. If you are obese or overweight, your risk of a herniated disc and back pain will probably be higher because the added weight increases strain on the spine.
5. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is associated with a heightened risk of disc herniation. Specialists believe that smoking reduces the level of oxygen that your spinal discs receive, which can trigger faster degeneration and a higher risk of herniation with time.
6. Past Herniated Disc
If you have a history of disc slippage, you are at risk of this condition recurring. Consult your physician about the steps you should take to avoid disc herniation from occurring again. Weight management, specific exercises, and limiting recognized risk factors could help you keep disc herniation from recurring.
Herniated discs have several risk factors, some manageable but others not. Nonetheless, not having a risk factor does not mean you cannot develop this condition. Therefore, you should always watch out for herniated disc symptoms, such as back pain, numbness, stiffness, neck pain, and more. If your doctor confirms a herniated disc diagnosis, one of the very first measures they suggest is rest to help ease the inflammation. Depending on the severity of your condition, you can also explore minimally invasive procedures like epidural steroid injections, and even surgery.
