Herniated discs affect up to 2-3 percent of adults in any given year, and an estimated 40 percent will suffer from sciatica—the most common symptom—in their lifetime, according to Harvard Health Publishing. While a herniated disc, also commonly known as a slipped disc," or “ruptured disc,” can affect any part of the backbone, the lower back area is a common location for this type of disc damage. Below, we go over some of the reasons herniated discs, in general, are so common.
Spinal Discs Are Affected by Age-Related Wear
Age-related wear, or degeneration, is one of the top reasons herniated discs are so common. It's impossible to entirely avoid all the changes that can affect spinal discs as we age. Plus, our daily movements take a toll on weight-supporting discs to some extent over the years and contribute to degeneration. Age also affects spinal discs by:
• Reducing the "sponginess" or moisture content of discs
• Increasing the risk of related damage from osteoporosis or other forms of arthritis
• Weakening the tougher exterior surface of spinal discs
Your Lower Back Is More Mobile & Exposed
The lower spine is more mobile than other parts of the spine. It's also exposed more than most other areas. For instance, the upper part of the spine is protected by the ribcage, which provides added stability. The lower back, on the other hand, is subjected to pressure from hours of sitting and daily motions. This added stress and strain is passed along to the spinal discs, which boosts the risk of herniation. Additionally, the lower spine is where the sciatic nerve starts. The longest single nerve in the body, this nerve is a common source of lumbar herniated disc pain and related nerve irritation.
Spongy Spinal Discs Are Susceptible to Injury
Another reason herniated discs are common is because these spongy discs can be injured fairly easily. For instance, a disc can become herniated from sudden jerking motions caused by a car accident. Discs in your spine can also be injured by:
• Hard impacts or falls
• Excessive twisting or reaching
• Lifting something incorrectly
Certain Activities Make Disc Herniation More Common
Spinal disc herniation is more common with certain activities. For example, if you normally play contact sports like football, soccer, or hockey, there's a higher risk of having issues with disc herniation. Other activities that can increase your odds of having a herniated disc include:
• Physically demanding occupations
• Anything involving regular heavy lifting
• Strenuous workout routines
Herniated Discs Can Sometimes Be Prevented
As noted above, not all disc-related damage is entirely preventable. However, it’s possible to reduce your risk of being sidelined by significant discomfort from a herniated disc in many instances. This is a goal you'll be more likely to achieve by:
• Getting regular exercise to strengthen spine-supporting muscles
• Lifting heavy things with your hips, legs, and knees and not your back
• Eating nutrient-rich foods and drinking more water to keep your spinal discs healthy
If you have a herniated disc, a discectomy may be the best option. 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 it’s been proven 95 percent effective. This means 95 percent of patients didn’t experience a reoperation due to reherniation in the 2-year study timeframe.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.