What Causes a Lumbar Herniated Disc?
The discs that lie between the vertebrae to absorb and allow for movement get damaged over time. The inner center of the disc is made of a gel-like substance, and the outer layer is more fibrous. With poor movement and alignment over the years, we create little microtraumas or small tears in the outer fibers of the disc. Forward bending and rotation in combination are the most damaging to the disc. Handling baggage at the airport and getting in and out of your car incorrectly can increase your risk of low back pain and disc damage. When you sit in poor posture, with a rounded low back, more pressure is placed on the front of the disc, sending the gel in the center towards the back of the disc – a bit like squashing a water-filled balloon between your hands. Maintaining positions that damage the outer layer of the disc eventually cause it to break down, and cracks or fissures form, allowing a path for the gel on the inside to seep out. This break down is a long process of fissuring, bul
