Every year in the United States, more than 3 million people experience a herniated disc, also known as a bulging disc. The sharp pain can stop you in your tracks, making even simple movements like bending or walking an uncomfortable ordeal.
You can find lasting relief from back pain and neck pain at Northeast Ohio Spine Center in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Mark Grubb, MD, specializes in the treatment of disc herniations, offering advanced solutions including minimally invasive spinal surgery.
If you’ve gone through it before, you may be wondering how to prevent another herniated disc. Here’s what causes this painful condition and what you can do to protect your spine long-term.
Think of the discs in your spine as cushions between the vertebrae, providing support and flexibility. A disc herniation happens when the soft, inner part of the disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This gel-like substance can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
While age-related wear and tear can naturally raise your risk of disc herniation, certain factors can contribute to the premature breakdown of your spinal discs, such as:
A disc can herniate anywhere along your spine, but it’s most common in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine).
For those who’ve already experienced a herniated disc, the risk of it happening again is a real concern. Even if you’ve had disc repair surgery, the adjacent discs in your spine remain vulnerable.
You can’t escape the effects of time on your body, but you absolutely have the power to reduce your risk of disc herniation. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your spine and minimize the chances of a first episode or a recurrence. Here are our top tips:
Good posture helps keep your spine in its natural alignment, which means less stress on your discs. Be mindful of your posture throughout the day and make adjustments when needed — try to keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level, as if a string is gently pulling you upward.
The spine supports your body weight, and extra weight means extra strain on your spine — especially in your lower back. By maintaining a healthy weight, you’re easing the load on your spine and giving your discs a break. Even modest weight loss can help protect your spine from premature degeneration and disc herniation.
When you’re engaging in physical activity, think about how it affects your spine. Learning to lift properly — bending at the knees and keeping your back straight — is an essential way to protect your spine during your workouts and everyday activities.
The right kind of exercise can keep your spine healthy and strong for longer. Strengthening your core muscles in your abdomen and back provides crucial stability and support, helping the spine handle movement and stress more effectively.
Quitting smoking doesn’t only benefit your lungs and heart. It’s also good for your spine. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can reduce blood flow to your spinal discs, making them more prone to rupture and slower to heal.
Are you dealing with persistent neck or back pain? Dr. Grubb can help you find answers and get relief at Northeast Ohio Spine Center. Request an appointment online or contact us by phone to schedule your visit today.
