Herniated Disc in Young Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc or a ruptured disc, is a condition where the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear in the tough outer layer. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs. When we think of herniated discs, we often associate them with aging or traumatic injuries. A common misconception is that young adults, particularly those in their 20s, are immune to such spinal issues. However, herniated discs can also affect younger people, even those in their 20s. This article discusses some of the myths surrounding herniated discs in young adults and offers insights into prevention and treatment.
Causes of Herniated Discs in Young Adults
Contrary to popular belief, herniated discs are not exclusive to older individuals. Young adults can experience disc issues due to a range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions. The spinal discs may degenerate or sustain damage early in life, making disc herniation a possibility for those in their 20s.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing a herniated disc in young adulthood. Some of these include:
- Genetics – Some people may inherit a tendency to have weaker or more fragile discs.
- Trauma – A sudden injury, such as a fall, a car accident, or a sports collision, can cause a disc to rupture or tear.
- Repetitive stress – Activities that involve bending, twisting, lifting, or sitting for long periods can put pressure on the discs and cause them to wear out over time.
- Poor posture – Slouching, hunching, or leaning forward can strain the spine and the discs.
- Smoking – Smoking can reduce the blood supply to the discs and make them more susceptible to damage.
How to Diagnose and Treat Herniated Discs in Young Adults
Recognizing the signs of a herniated disc is crucial for early intervention. These issues may arise suddenly or develop over time, impacting daily activities and overall wellbeing. If you have symptoms of a herniated disc, such as back pain that radiates to the arms or legs, numbness or tingling in the extremities, or muscle weakness, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history and your activities. You may also need imaging tests, such as an X-ray, an MRI, or a CT scan, to confirm the location and severity of the herniation.
The treatment for a herniated disc depends on the degree of the problem and how it affects your quality of life. In most cases, conservative treatments are recommended first. These include:
- Rest – Avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms and allowing your body to heal naturally
- Medication – Taking over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants to ease the discomfort and inflammation
- Physical therapy – Doing exercises and stretches that strengthen your core muscles and improve your flexibility and posture
- Heat or ice therapy – Applying heat or ice packs to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling
- Injections – Getting corticosteroid injections into the spine to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation
If conservative treatments do not provide enough relief or if you have severe nerve compression or spinal instability, you may need surgery. Surgery may involve a discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy to remove part or all of the herniated disc material, and spinal fusion surgery, which fuses two adjacent vertebrae together, may also be recommended. Surgery can relieve pressure on the nerves and restore spinal alignment and stability. However, surgery also has risks and complications, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or failed fusion. Therefore, surgery is usually considered as a last resort.
How to Prevent Herniated Discs in Young Adults
The best way to prevent herniated discs in young adulthood is to take care of your spine and your overall health. Some tips include:
- Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight can put extra stress on the spine and discs.
- Avoid smoking – Smoking can impair disc health and increase the risk of degeneration.
- Use proper ergonomics – When sitting, standing, lifting, or working, use good posture and alignment and avoid unnecessary strain on your spine. If you have a desk job or spend long hours on the computer, invest in ergonomic furniture and accessories.
- Warm up before activity – Stretching before engaging in any physical activity can prepare the muscles and joints and prevent injury.
- Stay active – Regular exercise strengthens the core and back muscles, providing support to the spine. Incorporate activities like swimming, yoga, or walking into your routine.
- Stay hydrated and get proper nutrition – Proper hydration and a balanced diet support overall health, including the spine. Discs require water to maintain their elasticity, and a nutrient-rich diet aids in tissue repair.
- Avoid overexertion – Young adults are often involved in sports or physical activities. While exercise is beneficial, avoid overexertion and incorporate adequate rest periods to prevent strain on the spine.
Herniated discs are not only a problem for older people. They can also affect young adults due to various causes. If you have symptoms of a herniated disc, you should seek medical attention and follow the appropriate treatment plan. You should also take preventive measures to protect your spine and avoid further damage. By doing so, you can increase your chances of recovering from a herniated disc and enjoying a pain-free life.
If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Although this is generally a very successful procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us today.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
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