Can a Fall Cause a Herniated Disc?
Fall and herniated discs A fall can result in a herniated disc in your spine. Many spinal injuries or problems can also be caused by disease, heredity and the aging process. But a fall can be the primary mechanism of injury. Sometimes a fall can be as traumatic to the spinal column as a violent automobile accident. Definition of a herniated disc A simple definition of a herniated disc is the damage or rupture of the fibrous cartilage layer that lies between each vertebral body of the spinal column. The discs protect the vertebra from grinding against each other and also act like shock absorbers. The spinal column is made up of seven cervical vertebra, twelve thoracic and five lumabar vertebra and each one has a disc that may potentially become herniated with a fall. Injury to the disc Even though the discs protect the vertebra from minor jolts and twists, they are unable to withstand the shock of some falls. Factors relating to the outcome of a herniated disc include the age of the per
