Most Common Ways You Can Get A Herniated Disc

Herniated discs are among the most common causes of back and neck pain — nearly 3 million people get one every year. They occur when a spinal disc’s soft, gel-like center pushes through a crack in the tough outer layer. 

This abnormal bulging puts pressure on nearby nerves, triggering pain and other symptoms, like numbness and weakness in the arms and legs. 

But what is the common cause behind this common pain condition? That’s what  Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain are diving into this blog. 

Here’s a closer look. 

Lifting heavy objects incorrectly

Lifting heavy objects requires perfect form if you want to avoid injury. Unfortunately, many of us jump the gun and ignore our form. 

If you try to lift a heavy object with your back instead of your legs, you put extreme stress and pressure on your spine and increase your risk for injury. Here are some lifting form techniques to keep in mind:

• Bend at your knees, not your waist
• Keep the object as close to your body as possible
• Avoid twisting while lifting

Engaging your core muscles can also support your back and spine as you lift. 

Sudden injury or trauma

Accidents are typically a matter of when not if. A sudden fall, a car accident, or even a hard hit while playing sports can cause a herniated disc. The force of impact on your spine can lead to disc displacement or rupture. 

If you’ve recently been injured or experienced trauma, and you notice persistent back pain, tingling, or weakness, make an appointment with us right away to rule out a herniated disc or other spinal injury. 

Repetitive strain and overuse

Many jobs and hobbies require repetitive movements, which are a recipe for back problems, including herniated discs. 

If you bend or twist all day, the constant stress wears down your discs and increases the likelihood of herniation. 

We recommend taking frequent breaks, practicing good posture, and doing exercises that strengthen your core and back muscles. 

Poor posture and prolonged sitting

Herniated discs can be the result of repetitive action or sudden trauma, but they can also be the result of inaction. A sedentary lifestyle weakens virtually every part of your body and leaves you vulnerable to injuries like herniated discs. 

This is especially true if you sit all day with poor posture. We recommend:

• Sitting with your back straight and shoulders relaxed
• Keeping your feet flat on the floor
• Sitting in an ergonomic chair with lumbar support
• Taking frequent breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around

These small adjustments can improve your posture and reduce your risk of herniated discs. 

Some things you can’t control 

Unfortunately, herniated discs can happen even when you do everything you can to avoid them.

One of the (often overlooked) culprits behind herniation is the gradual effects of aging. As the years pass, the discs in your spine undergo disc degeneration, a process in which they lose hydration and flexibility, leaving them susceptible to damage. 

Some even claim there’s a genetic component to herniated disc risk. 

While you can’t control the effects of time or your genetics, you can control your activity levels, posture, and other spinal care habits to keep your discs as healthy as possible. 

Treating herniated discs

No matter what’s caused your herniated disc, we have the treatments to help you heal and feel less pain. We usually recommend epidural injections for herniated discs to reduce swelling and inflammation. Once the inflammation is under control, you can start physical therapy to rehabilitate your spine and back. 

Don’t let a herniated disc stop you from getting the help you need. Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation at our Torrance, California, office today.