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The Causes of a Herniated Disk

The bones in a person's spine are cushioned by disks that have a tough outer shell surrounding a jelly-like substance. These disks act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep it elastic and flexible. When a disk becomes herniated, the soft material bulges out through a crack or tear in the shell. Also called ruptured or slipped disks, herniated disks are caused by degenerative processes or injury.

  1. Identification

    • A herniated disk can cause a compressed (pinched) nerve that may lead to back pain along with pain, tingling or numbness in the legs or arms. Some people, however, do not experience any symptoms from a herniated disk. Most cases of herniated disks occur in the lower back (lumbar region), while the next most likely area is in the neck (cervical region).

    Disk Degeneration

    • Herniated disks most often result from aging-related wear and tear. Called disk degeneration, the condition is characterized by loss of the inner disk fluid that maintains flexibility, as well as a weakening of the outer shell. This makes the disks more likely to rupture, which might occur during a sudden twisting motion or when lifting a heavy object.

    Injury

    • Less commonly, herniated disks are caused by traumatic injury. This can happen if somebody experiences a fracture in the disk due to a fall, a vehicle accident or from being hit in the back during contact sports or other activity.

    Age, Gender and Height

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, herniated disks are most common in middle age, particularly in ages 35 to 45, as people continue strenuous activity that can injure a weakened spine. Men are more likely than women to experience a herniated disk. Men taller than 5-feet-11 and women taller than 5-feet-7 are more likely to have a herniated disk.

    Risk Factors

    • The risk of a herniated disk is higher for obese people, because the extra weight puts pressure on the disks. Smoking also contributes to disk degeneration. People with physically demanding jobs are at greater risk, as are people that must sit or stand in one position for long periods. Jobs that require repetitive body movements such as lifting, bending, twisting, pulling or pushing also may increase the risk. Herniated disks appear to have a genetic factor, because close relatives in some families share them.

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