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Herniated Disc Causes
Herniated disc causes can vary widely, but the vast majority of cases can be attributed to just a few issues. These include:
- Wear and tear – The movements and physical stresses of everyday life take their toll the spinal discs and this wear and tear can be accelerated by factors like obesity and physically demanding job
- Sudden traumatic injury – A car accident or other physically injurious event can put so much pressure on a disc that it ruptures.
- Sports – Physically demanding sports, especially those requiring repetitive movement and heavy lifting, can push a spinal disc beyond its limits, weaken it, and make it more likely to herniate.
- Degeneration – As the body ages, spinal discs lose water and become more brittle, weakening the outer layer, the annulus fibrosus, and increasing the chance they'll rupture.
Although these causes are distinct, a herniated disc can actually be brought on by a combination of issues. For example, natural degeneration may be exacerbated by wear and tear caused by obesity, and the combination of the two plus a sudden injury may be enough to put the disc "over the edge." A healthy disc may not have ruptured due to that injury, but one that has already been weakened is more susceptible.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
Symptoms of this condition can include:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Tingling or a "pins and needles" feeling
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- More
If you're interested in learning more about herniated disc causes or treatment of the condition, including the endoscopic procedures performed at Laser Spine Institute, contact us. One of our expert spine doctors will review your MRI or CT scan free of charge and let you know if you're a candidate for endoscopic surgery, as well as answer your questions and discuss your other treatment options.