Do You Have an Increased Risk of a Herniated Disk?

A herniated disk is every bit as painful and uncomfortable as it sounds. While there are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, the best way to deal with this injury is to prevent it in the first place. If you have an increased risk of a herniated disk, it’s critical that you’re even more proactive in your approach. Here are some factors that put you at risk:

• Gender: Men between the ages of 20 and 55 are most likely to suffer this injury.
• Overweight: The more weight you have to carry the more stress you put on the disks in your back. 
• Improper lifting: It doesn’t matter if you’re lifting at the gym or moving items around your home, using your back muscles instead of your legs can cause a herniated disk. Proper lifting is a must. And if you need help, don’t be shy about asking. 
• Excessive time behind the wheel: Staying seated for a long period of time — especially behind the wheel of a car — can put excessive pressure on your disks. Furthermore, vibration from the engine and road can cause even more harm.

If you suspect a herniated disk, don’t wait to seek treatment. The longer you ignore your symptoms the greater chance there is that they’ll worsen. Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.