All About Herniated Disc (PART 2)

One of the most common causes of lower back pain and sciatica is a herniated, slipped, or ruptured disc. Spine Center of Texas will be delving deeper into the risk factors that increase the likelihood of a person to develop a herniated disc. Knowledge of what the risk factors are can help prevent further problems and even decrease your likelihood of getting it.

Here are the risk factors that increase the chances of a person developing a herniated disc:

• Gender – Men in their 30s to 50s are more prone to having herniated discs.
• Incorrect lifting – There is a high chance that you will get a herniated disc if you use the back muscles when lifting objects instead of their legs. The back is also vulnerable when you twist while you lift. In order to protect the spine, the legs must carry most of the weight and not the back.
• Being overweight – Discs in the lower spine have more added stress if you are overweight.
• Activities that strain the spine – Jobs that are physically demanding or require a person to do frequent lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting increase a person’s risk of developing herniated discs. In order to protect the back, you are advised to follow safe lifting and movement techniques if you have this type of job.
• Driving too much – Being seated for long periods of time can increase the pressure on your spine and discs. Another factor that increases the risk of herniated disc is the vibration coming from your car’s engine.
• Living a sedentary lifestyle – You can greatly benefit from following a regular exercise regimen. Not only will you decrease your likelihood of getting a herniated disc, exercise also plays an important role in preventing other medical conditions such as heart attack and diabetes.
• Smoking – When you smoke, it prevents oxygen from reaching the discs and increases disc degeneration.