Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of disc pushes outward through a tear in the outer layer of the disc. Many people have this condition without being aware of it, as not all herniations cause symptoms. However, if sever enough, this protrusion can press on nerves in the vicinity leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the area of the body those nerves run to.

The most common cause of a herniated disc is from age related wear and tear, also known as disc degeneration. As we age, the discs in our spine are more prone to becoming ruptured or tearing as they begin to become less flexible and lose their shock-absorbing ability. Other common risk factors and triggers include: lifting heavy objects improperly, sudden twisting movements, and trauma.