Health

Conditions | Herniated Disk

Herniated disks, sometimes called slipped or ruptured disks, are a frequent cause of back pain. They often cause not only pain, but also numbness or weakness in the back, legs or arms.

Learn More About Herniated Disks

Need to know more about how mysofacial pain will affect you or someone you care for? Learn all the basics of a herniated disk and what it does:

     » Introduction to Herniated Disk
     » The Signs of a Herniated Disk
     » What Causes a Herniated Disk?
     » Treatments for Herniated Disks

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Risk Factors

by MayoClinic.com

Several factors make you more susceptible to a herniated disk:

Age. Herniated disks are most common in middle age due to aging-related degeneration of the disks. However, herniated disks are less likely to occur after age 60.
Smoking. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of disk herniation because it decreases oxygen levels in the blood, depriving your body tissues of vital nutrients.
Weight. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in the lower back.
Diabetes. Diabetes can deplete oxygen levels in the blood, making spinal disks more prone to herniation and disease.
Occupations that strain the spine. Several studies have found higher rates of herniated disks in people with physically demanding jobs, such as farming, concrete reinforcement, lumber work, quarry work, food packing, trucking and warehousing. The job activities most closely linked to herniated disks are repetitive lifting, pulling and pushing, particularly when they also involve bending sideways and twisting. Jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing in one position also may increase the risk of disk herniation.

2006-12-20

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