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A
herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc (also called disc
degeneration). As we age, our vertebral discs lose some of the fluid that helps
them maintain flexibility. A herniated disc also may result from injuries to the
spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or
capsule) of the disc. The jellylike material inside the disc (nucleus) may be
forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to
bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments. See a picture of a
herniated disc.
Injury
to the disc can occur from:
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A
sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back. Sometimes a
sudden twisting movement or even a sneeze will force some of the nucleus
(the material inside the disc) out through the disc's outer layer (annulus
or capsule).
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Activities
that are done over and over again that may stress the lower back, including
poor lifting habits, prolonged exposure to vibration, or sports-related
injuries.
Reference
from Healthwise
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