4 Reasons Why You Keep Getting Herniated Discs

If you’ve experienced the pain of a herniated disc, you know how disruptive it can be to your life. 

The sharp pain, muscle weakness, and numbness that often go along with a herniated disc can make everyday activities a challenge. 

Unfortunately, some people find themselves dealing with herniated discs over and over, leading to frustration and aggravation.

At Integrated Spine & Pain Services in Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia, our board-certified providers understand the struggles of recurring herniated discs and offer personalized care to help you find relief. 

Keep reading to learn four key reasons you might continue to experience herniated discs and what you can do about them.

1. Poor Posture and body mechanics

Your posture and how you move play a significant role in the health of your spine. 

When you sit, stand, or lift objects with poor posture, you put extra pressure on the discs in your spine. 

Over time, this added stress causes your discs to weaken, making them more likely to herniate.

For example, sitting without the proper support or frequently bending or twisting the wrong way increases the risk of a disc slipping out of place. 

If your job requires lifting heavy objects or sitting for extended periods, minor changes to moving and sitting can make a big difference. 

Using ergonomic furniture, taking breaks to stretch, and practicing safe lifting techniques help reduce your risk of re-injury.

2. Weak core muscles

Your core muscles, which include the muscles in your abdomen and lower back, play a big role in supporting your spine. 

When these muscles are weak, your spine has to take on more strain to support your body’s movements, increasing your risk of disc herniation.

Strengthening your core muscles with targeted exercises helps create a more stable environment for your spine, reducing the stress on your discs. 

Even simple exercises like plank, bridges, and gentle yoga improve core strength and give your spine the support it needs.

3. Degenerative disc disease

As you get older, the discs in your spine naturally begin to lose moisture and elasticity, which can lead to a condition called degenerative disc disease. 

This process can make your discs more fragile and prone to herniation, even from normal activities like bending over or lifting a light object.

If you have a history of recurring herniated discs and you’re over 40, degenerative disc disease might be a factor. 

While you can’t stop the aging process, you can take steps to protect your spine as you age. 

Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking all help slow the progression of disc degeneration.

4. Returning to activities too soon

It’s common to want to get back to your regular activities as soon as you start feeling better, but returning to your usual routine too quickly can set you up for another herniated disc. 

Your spine needs time to heal fully after an injury, and pushing yourself before your body is ready can cause a new injury.

Suppose you’ve been treated for a herniated disc. In that case, following your Integrated Spine & Pain Services provider’s instructions about when it’s safe to resume activities like exercise, sports, or heavy lifting is essential. 

Gradually increasing your activity level and incorporating exercises to strengthen your back and core help prevent a recurrence.

When to see a provider for help

If you’ve been dealing with repeat episodes of herniated discs, it’s time to seek professional help. 

At Integrated Spine & Pain Services, our providers specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic and acute spine conditions. 

We work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan designed to address the underlying causes of your herniated discs.

Depending on your specific needs, your provider may recommend options like physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or more advanced treatments to help you get back to living a pain-free life. 

For some patients, minimally invasive procedures may be the best solution to ease pain and stabilize the spine.

Don’t let recurring back pain control your life! Schedule a consultation with Integrated Spine & Pain Services in Falls Church or Alexandria, Virginia, today.