How does a herniated disc develop?
Herniated discs are caused by the degeneration of the disc, aging or injury to the spine. Degeneration may result from tiny tears or cracks in the outer shell of the disc. The jellylike material inside the disc may be forced out through the tears or cracks, causing the disc to bulge, break open or break into fragments. A herniated disc may also develop as part of the normal aging process. After age 30, the nucleus of the disc begins to lose its fluid, increasing the chance of injury. Injury can occur from a sudden, heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back. Repetitive activities, as well as prolonged exposure to vibration or sports-related injuries also increase the risk of disc herniation. What are the symptoms of a herniated disc? Symptoms of a herniated disc depend on its position. A herniated disc itself does not cause pain; the pain is a result of pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord. If the disc is not pressing on the nerve, an individual may experience a low bac
