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More Disc Tear Information

Disc Tear


What Are the Causes a Torn Disc?

The question on many patients’ minds after they learn they have a disc tear is “how do you get a disc tear”? The two most common torn disc causes are aging and traumatic injury. The natural degenerative process of aging weakens our discs, leaving them at risk of tearing. Typically, by the age of 30, our discs have already begun to weaken and lose their flexibility. Once this occurs, simple traumas such as twisting or bending might be how you get a disc tear. Traumatic injuries account for most torn disc causes in younger, healthier spines.

There is a direct correlation between the amount of wear and tear on your intervertebral discs and the amount of force that causes a torn disc. The natural degenerative changes of aging prevent our discs from supporting or cushioning the vertebrae as they once did. For older individuals, simple everyday activities like walking, sitting, and standing can become causes of a torn disc.

Torn disc causes in younger patients, however, are typically the result of sudden, harsh impact, such as from a car accident or sports injury.

Note From Dr. Liu Exercise and good posture combined with maintaining a healthy weight are vital to ensuring a healthy spine.

Your genes can also be causes of a torn disc. Some people are born with a naturally weak annulus, which make them more prone to torn discs. Additional risk factors that may increase the likelihood of a torn disc are smoking, obesity, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises. It is always wise for you to take preventative measures to avoid these potential causes of a torn disc.

How Can I Prevent a Disc Tear?

Now that we have answered the question, “what is a torn disc”, the best way to prevent a disc tear is to keep your spine healthy, and maintaining a healthy life style is a good way to keep your spine healthy. If you smoke, choose to stop. Smoking negatively impacts you bone health, and may accelerate the degenerative process of your spine. The chemicals in cigarettes are also responsible for drying up a vertebral disc. This in turn, may then contribute to a disc tear. To see several positive lifestyle changes that you can easily implement to encourage spinal health, check the Prevention Secion.

Are you a Candidate for Surgery?

If non surgical disc tear treatment fails to reduce your pain and other symptoms, you may be a surgical candidate. Our simple 3 step candidacy checking tool can get you started on a path to recovery in just minutes.

Begin 3 Step Diagnosis Process

Need assistance, or for answers to any questions you have please contact us now or call (877) 272-4535.