A herniated disk is a medical condition that occurs when an inner layer of cartilage pushes the outer layer into the spinal canal. This condition is often called a slipped disk, or ruptured disk, and can be extremely painful.
Causes
The primary cause of a herniated disk is age. According to the Mayo Clinic, as a person ages, her back becomes more vulnerable to injury due to loss of water content.
Risk Factors
A wide variety of factors can contribute to a herniated disk, including age, weight, smoking, occupation and height. Excessive weight and height can put strain on the back. Smoking causes oxygen levels in the blood to decrease, making smokers more prone to injury due to a lack of nutrients. Those who work at occupations that require strenuous activities are also more prone to this condition.
Complications
Not only is a herniated disk painful on its own, it can also cause further complications, such as numbness or weakness, loss of sensation in the thighs and rectum, and bowel and bladder dysfunction.
Treatment
Treatments for a herniated disk include medications and therapy that can relieve pain. In some cases, surgery is required for more serious injuries.
Prevention/Solution
Avoiding strenuous activities that require heavy lifting and excessive bending can help reduce the chance of suffering from a herniated disk.
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