The spinal column of human beings consists of a series of bones that are known as vertebrae stacking onto each other. The discs cushion these bones but have a very major function in the body. This is because the discs are meant for protecting the bones, keeping them safe during everyday activities. The discs do this by absorbing any shock that is produced as you walk, twist, fall, or lift an object.
The discs have two parts that are the inner and the outer rings. The inner part of the ring is very soft, while the outer ring is very tough. When there is an injury that affects the discs, the soft inner part of the disc will begin protruding through the rough outer ring. When it protrudes fully, it is referred to as a herniated disc.
Whenever you have a herniated disc, you will experience so much pain, and you will not get any comfort until you get treated. Also, if the herniated disc compresses your spinal nerves, you will experience numbness on the compressed nerves. The herniated disc is also referred to as a slipped disc or prolapsed disc. You must know what causes herniated discs so that if there are things that you can do to prevent it, you can do it as early as possible. The following are some of the causes that are associated with a herniated disc.
Spinal wear and tear
The wear and tear of the spine are also known as degeneration. It is among the major causes of a herniated disc. It may sound funny that your spine can wear and tear, but it occurs very easily. This is because the backs will carry and help the body in distributing its weight. Also, the discs will absorb so much shock when you are working so that they can protect the bones. Since the discs work so hard to keep the bones safe and keep you moving, with time, they wear out. When the discs wear out, the tough outer ring of the discs will begin to weaken, which will make the soft inner part of the disc to push through, leading to a herniated disc.
Injury
The other major cause of herniated disc is injury. Although the discs are there to protect the bones, it does not mean that they can withstand all the injuries. Some of them are so fatal that they discs and the bones are injured during the injury. For instance, you can get a herniated disc when you are involved in a car accident. The movement that is made during the accident could result in excess pressure on your discs, making them herniate.
Degeneration and injury
When these two factors come together, the discs cannot withstand becoming herniated. When the discs wear and tear, they become prone to herniation. Therefore, in case of an injury, anyone who has degenerated discs will get herniated.
Lifting heavy weight the wrong way
Whenever you are lifting heavy weights, you have to take care of how you are lifting the weight. This is because it could lead to a herniated disc if you are not very keen. As you lift the heavyweight, your disc could slip out of its position, especially if you make a turn. Also, lifting heavyweight means that you will be straining your back. When you get to do this for a very long, you will end up developing a herniated disc.
Smoking
One of the factors that will make your discs degenerate is smoking. It’s clear that when the discs degenerate, you are likely to get a herniated disc, especially if you lift heavy objects incorrectly or you are injured.
“Can you fix a herniated disc?” is a common question for doctors. Find a good one who can, and you shouldn’t have any problems in the future.
