5 Risk Factors That Can Lead to a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc can disrupt your daily movements and general quality of life. While some people may have a herniated disc for a while without noticing any symptoms, eventually, persistent neck or back pain can become an issue.

At Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, we specialize in advanced, nonsurgical therapies to relieve herniated disc pain and other symptoms.

Francis Pecoraro, MD, DABPMR, FAAPMR, offers customized care plans utilizing oral and injectable medications, physical therapy, and other treatments to provide lasting relief from herniated disc symptoms.

An overview of a herniated disc

Your spine is made up of vertebrae that are separated and cushioned by intervertebral discs. The durable discs have a tough outer layer that surrounds a softer, gel-like center and are responsible for protecting vertebrae from the shock of movement. 

Weakening or a rupture (herniation) in the outer layer of the disc can force the soft center outward, pressing on and irritating nearby spinal nerves.

Symptoms of a herniated disc may become gradually more noticeable with time and include:

• Tingling and weakness in your arms, legs, and buttocks
• Electric, shock-like pain that radiates through your neck and back
• Shooting or stabbing pain along your spine
• Increased pain when bending, coughing, or sitting

In more serious cases, chronic nerve irritation can damage nerve fibers and cause mobility challenges and loss of bladder or bowel control.

There are known risk factors for developing a herniated disc. It’s important to understand what they are and how to protect your spinal discs from damage.

5 reasons herniated discs develop

A potential cause of a herniated disc at any age is spinal trauma from a sports injury, fall, or auto accident. However, other factors also influence disc health, such as:

1. Aging

The natural aging process impacts the health of your spinal discs. Everyday movements contribute to wear-and-tear on the outer shell of your discs, making them less resilient over time.

Aging also causes a loss of flexibility in spinal discs, making them vulnerable to rupture with overuse.

2. Excess body weight

Being overweight or obese places additional stress on the spinal structures, including the discs between your vertebrae.

Herniated discs in the lower back (lumbar spine) are common in overweight individuals because this area of the spine typically absorbs most of the extra pressure.

3. Improper lifting techniques

Picking up heavy objects without using proper lifting techniques strains your spine, especially when you twist and bend at the same time.

Twisting and bending during exercise and household chores can also make your spinal discs more susceptible to injury.

4. Physically demanding work

If your job requires repetitive bending, pulling, or pushing, the extra stress on your spine can prematurely wear out your discs.

5. Genetics

Some people have weaker spinal discs due to a genetic predisposition. You can also inherit degenerative disc conditions that increase your risk factors for premature wear-and-tear or a trauma-related rupture.

Evaluating your treatment options for herniated disc pain

Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine offers custom care plans to relieve existing back or neck pain caused by a herniated disc.

Dr. Pecoraro focuses on nonsurgical solutions, including non-opioid pain relievers, so you can engage in physical therapy to strengthen your spine. He also offers injectable therapies that deliver anesthetic and pain-relieving medications directly into your spine when oral medications aren’t effective.

The most important thing to remember is that an early diagnosis of a herniated disc is essential for protecting your long-term spine health. Putting off treatment can cause additional complications, and your pain may become more difficult to manage.

We provide comprehensive care for herniated discs to help improve your quality of life, so make arrangements to meet with Dr. Pecoraro and our experts as soon as you notice new or sudden symptoms.

Contact Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine today to schedule a consultation. Call our office or book an appointment online.