Risk Factors That Can Lead to a Herniated Disc

When you hear of someone suffering a herniated disc, you may picture them lifting something heavy, falling, or twisting awkwardly. But the risks are often much more subtle and, unfortunately, cumulative.

In Atlanta, Georgia, renowned neurosurgeon Max Steuer, MD, and physician assistant Carter Cooper, PA-C, help patients prevent disc injuries or understand why their injuries occurred. Here, they take a look at risk factors associated with herniated discs.

1. Age, genetics, and disc degeneration

As you age, your spinal discs become less hydrated, less flexible, and much more vulnerable to injury. Natural degeneration means even small stresses can lead to a disc bulge or herniation.

If you have a family history of spinal issues, your risk is higher. You may have inherited traits, such as weaker connective tissue or anatomical predispositions, that make you even more susceptible to back pain and disc degeneration.

2. Behavior and lifestyle

Many of your daily habits can protect or strain your spine, such as: 

Poor posture

Slouching at your desk or hunching while you drive increases uneven pressure on your discs.

Sedentary habits

Lack of movement or exercise weakens muscles that support your spine.

Sudden or incorrect form when you lift

Twisting while lifting or leaning too far forward increases spinal stress.

Excess body weight

Extra pounds, especially in your stomach and core, increase downward force on your lumbar discs.

Smoking

Nicotine decreases blood flow, impairing a herniated disc’s ability to heal and get nutrients.

You may be unable to eliminate all these risk factors, but changes like core strengthening, frequent breaks from sitting, and smart ergonomics go a long way in reducing your risk. Dr. Steuer can help you assess your behavioral and lifestyle risks during your consultation.

3. Occupational or traumatic stressors

Consider your daily routine. Do you lift things that are too heavy, twist your torso repetitively, or perform repetitive motions? That’s a common pattern with many jobs, sports, and physical hobbies.

Over time, those forces can wear down the disc’s outer layer (the annulus), making it easier for the soft inner nucleus to bulge or rupture.

Traumatic events, such as car accidents or slips and falls, can force a disc out of alignment in an instant. You can’t control every twist or fall, but awareness and proper mechanics help reduce the risk.

When conservative measures aren’t enough

Radiating pain, numbness, or muscle weakness in your arms or legs is a red flag. It may mean your herniated disc is compressing a nerve. In that case, Dr. Steuer offers advanced treatment options, including:

• Microdiscectomy to remove a disc fragment
• Artificial disc replacement to preserve motion
• Spinal fusion, when stabilization is required
• Adjunctive care, like spinal cord stimulation and pinched nerve relief

Our team tailors these options to your condition and goals, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you feel tingling, sharp leg pain, or a pinched nerve sensation that doesn’t improve with rest, don’t wait to get it checked out. Call our Meridian Mark Plaza office to schedule a herniated disc assessment or request an appointment online.