Your spine is subjected to various stressors throughout your lifetime; after all, it bears most of the force during many different movements and positions.
However, between each vertebra sits a disc that acts as a cushion, with a tough outer layer protecting a gel-like center. When that outer layer weakens or tears, allowing the inner material to push through, a herniated disc results.
At the same time, a herniated disc doesn’t always announce itself dramatically. Sometimes it develops gradually, and other times it occurs suddenly. While some factors are beyond your control, knowing the common causes helps you recognize potential risks and take appropriate action when needed. So, let’s take a closer look at what these are!
1. Age-Related Disc Degeneration
As we age, our spinal discs naturally lose some of their water content. This process, called disc degeneration, makes the discs less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing. The outer layer of the disc becomes more brittle over time, much like a rubber band that loses its elasticity with years of use.
This gradual wearing down typically begins in your thirties and progresses slowly. The discs become flatter and less effective at absorbing shock. When discs lose their height and flexibility, even normal daily activities can put enough stress on them to cause a herniation. The lower back bears the most weight and experiences the most movement, which explains why herniated discs occur most frequently in the lumbar spine.
While age-related changes are inevitable, maintaining good spinal health through proper posture and body mechanics can help minimize their impact.
2. Poor Lifting Mechanics and Sudden Strain
Bending at the waist while lifting, especially with a twisting motion, places tremendous pressure on your spinal discs. This combination of movements can cause the disc material to shift and potentially herniate, particularly if the disc has already experienced some wear.
Sudden, unexpected movements can also trigger a herniation. Reaching for something while your body is off-balance, catching yourself during a fall, or making an abrupt twisting motion can all create enough force to damage a disc. Even lifting relatively light objects with poor form can cause problems if your spine is in a vulnerable position.
The discs in your lower back experience pressure that increases with your position. Standing creates baseline pressure, but bending forward while holding weight can increase that pressure several times over. This explains why proper lifting technique—keeping the object close to your body, bending at the knees, and avoiding twisting—remains so important for spinal health.
3. Genetic Predisposition and Body Composition
Your genetic makeup also influences your susceptibility to disc problems more than you might realize. Some people inherit a tendency toward weaker disc walls or faster disc degeneration. If multiple family members have experienced herniated discs, you may have a higher risk of developing the condition yourself.
Body weight also significantly affects disc health. Extra weight, especially around the midsection, increases the mechanical load on your spine. This additional pressure accelerates disc wear and increases the likelihood of herniation. The discs must work harder to support and cushion the spine, which can speed up the degenerative process.
Beyond these factors, overall body composition matters too. The discs rely on surrounding muscles for support. When core muscles are weak, the discs bear more load than they’re designed to handle, leading to a higher risk of a herniated disc.
Finding Relief Through Spinal Decompression
If you suspect you have a herniated disc, it’s worth getting checked out! Your Plano chiropractor at Keystone Chiropractic will perform a thorough assessment, ensuring you get the treatment you need and deserve. This may include spinal decompression, where space is created between the spine’s vertebrae; each session is only 8-12 minutes and is safe for pregnant moms (after the first trimester).
Curious to learn more? Book your appointment with us today!
