Your flexible spine has 24 vertebral bones. Between each of these bones is the vertebral disc, which cushions your bones and safeguards the spinal cord whenever you move. Vertebral discs have slick cartilage with a soft center. Although naturally durable, the discs might slip, rupture, or herniate because of acute injury or degeneration. Disc herniation is among the most common forms of back injury, which could develop in anybody. If you experience chronic back pain, visit a specialist for a specialist diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, here are the common risk factors for disc herniation Rego Park.
1. Physically Demanding Work
Your general activity level or job may heighten your risk of developing a herniated disc. Physically taxing occupations or hobbies that demand repetitive twisting, pushing, bending, pulling, or lifting can heighten wear and tear on the spine.
You can adopt various safety measures to reduce your danger of injury. However, numerous physical sporting activities and occupations still speed up the natural degeneration of your spine.
2. Incorrect Lifting Procedures
Everybody occasionally requires moving bulky, heavy objects. Whether you lift heavy things occasionally or it is your job, inappropriate lifting procedures could heighten your likelihood of disc herniation.
Inappropriate lifting generally implies lifting weight with your back and arm muscles rather than utilizing your larger, stronger leg muscles. Once you lift with your back, you place additional strain on the spine, increasing the likelihood of injury. Twisting when lifting can also make it likely to suffer disc herniation.
3. Your Age and Gender
When you are young, your spine is more resilient. However, with time, your vertebral bones weaken and cause disc degeneration, which is the leading reason for disc herniation. Everybody suffers disc degeneration as they age, and having a family history of this condition could imply more serious symptoms.
Moreover, men have a greater likelihood of suffering disc herniations than women. In most cases, this gender risk factor results from increased physical injury and mechanical stress in men.
4. Body Weight
Bearing excess weight is a major risk factor for disc herniation. Added pounds put extra strain on the musculoskeletal system, placing added pressure on the spine and other structures. Added pressure on the spine also causes disc bulging, irritating nerve roots, and inducing tingling and discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight range relieves pressure from the spinal structures, including the discs.
5. Past Herniated Disc
If you have a history of disc slippage, you will likely develop it again. You should consult your doctor about the measures to reduce your risk.
6. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes is associated with a heightened risk of disc herniations. Specialists believe that smoking reduces the level of oxygen that your spinal discs receive, which might trigger faster degeneration and a higher risk of herniation with time.
Anybody who has suffered a disc herniation understands how uncomfortable and disruptive the condition can be to your everyday life. If you develop disc herniation despite your best efforts to manage your risk factors, you should consult a specialist. During the early phases of herniated discs, you should rest enough to reduce inflammation. Your doctor can also suggest medications, and other minimally invasive procedures to treat your condition. However, surgical treatment can offer lasting outcomes if your condition is severe, particularly if you have recurring concerns.