What Are the Causes of Herniated Discs and How Can You Treat Them?

Do you know that 65 million American adults report having an episode of back pain?

Many times, this pain could be from a herniated disc. Having herniated discs could lower your quality of life. But what causes one in the first place?

Read on for a complete guide to the causes of herniated discs.

What Are the Causes of Herniated Discs?

A herniated disc happens when the cushions (discs) between your vertebrae have problems. Your discs let you move and bend without issue. When these discs are misplaced or torn, it causes pain.

Herniated discs can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Aging

Many people experience herniated discs as they age. By this point, your discs have gone through years of wear and tear. Aging slowly causes disc degeneration.

You may experience slipped discs as you grow older. A sign of this may be that you aren’t as flexible or mobile as you used to be.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Perhaps you have an office job where you sit most of the time. Or, you just simply don’t have an active lifestyle.

A sedentary lifestyle can increase the likelihood of a herniated disc. This is because you aren’t being as mobile and this puts pressure on the discs.

Genetics

Genetics can be a large cause of getting herniated discs. If someone in your family was prone to them before, that will more than likely transfer to you.

Back pain often stems from genetics in general, if it’s not from an underlying condition. But, if your back pain is persistent, it may be a herniated disc.

Injury or Strain

Many people get herniated discs because of an injury or strain. This can happen while playing sports, or simply just bending down and lifting something up.

This is why it is important to be safe when you are active, and always position yourself correctly when you bend down to pick something up.

What to Do if You Have a Herniated Disc

If you have a herniated disc, there are many options to fix it. You should always see your doctor and get a medical diagnosis if you are worried about your back.

Once your doctor diagnoses you, they will discuss the best treatment plan. This may involve surgery (for extreme cases), medication, or physical therapy. Your doctor will know the best option for you.

It is important to understand how you can manage back pain. The first step in that is to talk to a medical professional.

Live a Normal Life With a Herniated Disc

Having a herniated disc doesn’t mean you need to have a low quality of life. The causes of herniated discs can be solved and you can get back to being active! Manage your back pain and find the best treatment today!

Was this article helpful to you? Check out our health page for more resources!