Causes of Slip Disc: Factors, Risks, and Prevention Steps

Causes of Slip Disc: Factors, Risks, and Prevention Steps

Introduction

Slip disc is one of the common spinal problems, especially among individuals who engage in heavy physical activities or lead an unhealthy lifestyle. This condition can cause significant pain and affect daily movements.

Causes of Slip Disc

The intervertebral disc acts as a shock absorber between the spinal bones. When this disc experiences excessive pressure or wears out over time, it can slip or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves. The main causes of slip disc include:

1. Aging

• As age increases, the water content in the intervertebral discs decreases, making them less flexible and more prone to rupture.

2. Physical Injuries

• Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause sudden pressure on the spine, leading to a slipped disc.

3. Excessive Pressure on the Spine

• Lifting heavy loads with improper posture can increase pressure on the spinal discs and trigger slip disc.

4. Inactive Lifestyle

• Lack of physical activity can weaken the muscles that support the spine, increasing the risk of injury.

5. Obesity

• Excess body weight puts additional pressure on the spine, especially in the lumbar (lower back) region, which can damage the discs.

6. Poor Posture

• Sitting or standing for long periods with incorrect posture can cause continuous pressure on the spinal discs.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of experiencing slip disc, including:

• Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of spinal problems have a higher risk.

• Heavy Physical Work: Jobs that require frequent lifting, pulling, or pushing of heavy objects.

• Lack of Exercise: Weak core muscles cannot support the spine properly.

• Smoking: Nicotine can reduce blood flow to the spinal discs, accelerating degeneration.

Prevention Steps

Although slip disc can happen to anyone, several preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk, such as:

1. Maintain Proper Posture

• Ensure good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting objects to avoid uneven pressure on the spine.

2. Maintain an Ideal Body Weight

• Reducing excess weight helps prevent additional stress on the spine.

3. Exercise Regularly

• Engage in exercises such as yoga, swimming, and strength training to strengthen core muscles and support the spine.

4. Use Proper Lifting Techniques

• Always use the legs to lift objects and avoid bending with the spine.

5. Avoid Prolonged Sitting

• Stand up and stretch periodically if working in a sitting position for long hours.

6. Quit Smoking

• Stop smoking to improve spinal health and blood circulation to the intervertebral discs.

Additional Information

1. Slip Disc Does Not Always Cause Pain

• Not all individuals with a slipped disc experience pain or symptoms. In some cases, the slipped disc may not press on critical nerves or only apply minimal pressure, making it asymptomatic.

• Studies show that many people without back pain actually have a slipped disc, discovered incidentally through MRI scans.

2. Slip Disc Can Heal Without Surgery

• In many cases, slip disc can heal on its own with conservative treatments such as:

• Physiotherapy

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Adequate rest

• Surgery is only required in about 10% of cases, especially if there are severe symptoms like loss of bladder control or significant muscle weakness.

3. Dehydration Affects Disc Condition

• Intervertebral discs consist of about 70-90% water, which is needed to absorb shocks and maintain flexibility.

• Lack of hydration can weaken the discs and cause them to lose their function, increasing the risk of slip disc.

4. Sleeping Position Affects Disc Health

• Sleeping in the wrong position, such as sleeping on the stomach, can increase pressure on the spine.

• The best sleeping position is lying on the back with a small pillow under the knees or sleeping on the side with a pillow between the legs.

Conclusion

Slip disc can affect a person’s quality of life if not managed properly. Therefore, understanding the causes, risk factors, and preventive measures is essential to maintaining spinal health in the long run. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking early treatment if experiencing prolonged back pain is highly recommended.

References

Rajasekaran, S., Kanna, R. M., & Shetty, A. P. (2019). Pathomechanics of lumbar disc degeneration. Asian Spine Journal, 13(2), 209–217. https://doi.org/10.31616/asj.2018.0298

Fardon, D. F., Williams, A. L., Dohring, E. J., Murtagh, F. R., Gabriel Rothman, S. L., & Sze, G. K. (2014). Lumbar disc nomenclature: Version 2.0. Spine, 39(24), E1448-E1465. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000000623

 

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