What causes a herniated disc?

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A herniated disc occurs when the outer covering of the disc or annulus tears and the jelly-like nucleus seeps out, exerting pressure on spinal nerves. A herniated disc can occur virtually anywhere along the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (lower back) areas. There are a number of things that can cause a herniated disc.

Significance

Many times people suffer herniated discs from lifting an object that is too heavy. They may have been positioned in an awkward manner and twisted their back lifting the object.

Trauma

Herniated discs can be caused by trauma to the back that occurs as a result of a sports injury or automobile accident. In these injuries, people can jar their back or suffer a direct blow to their spine.

Repetitive Stress

People who work physical jobs, athletes or weightlifters can suffer a herniated disc from repetitive stress on the spine. Eventually, the disc covering can crack from overuse.

Obesity & Smoking

Obese people and smokers are more susceptible to a herniated disc, according to the article "What causes herniated discs?" at Health-cares.net. Extra weight puts additional stress on spinal discs while smoke can cause disc degeneration over time.

Considerations

As a person ages, he loses some of the internal fluid that keeps the disc flexible and functioning. The disc starts to degenerate with age and becomes more brittle.

Source:

Health-Cares: What Causes Herniated Discs?

Webmd: Herniated Disc - Cause

Mayo Clinic: Herniated disk

More Information:

Medicinenet: Herniated Disc

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Cervical herniated disc weightlifting

Sports trauma and herniated discs

Causes of herniated disk

Herniated disc from overuse

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What causes a herniated disc?

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