Causes of Herniated Discs from our St. Joseph Chiropractor

Intervertebral or spinal discs are the cushions that exist between the vertebrae of your spine and provide shock absorption when you perform almost any movement. These discs sometimes become weak and at that point, even small movements can cause tears. The common symptoms of a herniated disc are pain, numbness or tingling, and possibly weakness. Some people even have herniated discs with no symptoms.

Where did my herniated disc come from?

Most herniated discs occur in people between the ages of 20 and 60 years old. As you age, the material that makes up the outer portion of the disc becomes weaker and tears become more likely. Here are some things that affect your risk of having a herniated disc:

• Genetics
  • If people in your family are prone to herniated discs, you may be at greater risk. This is because genes that affect the risk of herniated discs can be passed from parent to child. What these genes do is not precisely understood, yet.
• Weight
• Being overweight puts extra strain on your body. The increased force that this places on the discs can make them more likely to tear.
• Having a very physically demanding job can increase the risk of developing a herniated disc. It's not just work, though, that can increase your risk. Anyone who spends a lot of time being active, especially if they are doing repetitive motions, has an increased risk.
• Physicality

Unfortunately, it is sometimes impossible to determine exactly when a herniated disc occurred. Luckily, that doesn't make it any harder to treat. A chiropractor, like Dr. Craig Mattox of St. Joseph Chiropractic, can help you put together an effective treatment plan without knowing exactly what caused the problem.

Get help with your herniated disc from St. Joseph Chiropractic

Dr. Craig Mattox of St. Joseph Chiropractic is an experienced doctor who can help you start feeling better today.  If you have a herniated disc or some other back, neck, or spine problem, we can help you figure out what you need to do to improve your condition. Call us at 816-279-0700 today, and be sure to ask about the FREE consultation and exam for new clients!

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