The bones (vertebrae) of the spinal column run down the back, connecting the skull to the pelvis. These bones protect nerves that come out of the brain and travel down your back, forming the spinal cord. Nerve roots are large nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and leave your spinal column between each vertebrae.
The spinal vertebrae are separated by discs filled with a soft, gelatinous substance. These discs cushion the spinal column and space between your vertebrae. These discs may herniate (move out of place) or rupture from trauma or strain. When this happens, the spinal nerves may become compressed, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness. The lower back (lumbar area) of the spine is the most common area for a slipped disc. The cervical (neck) discs are affected 8% of the time. The upper-to-mid-back (thoracic) discs are rarely involved.
Radiculopathy refers to any disease that affects the spinal nerve roots. A herniated disc is one cause of radiculopathy (sciatica).
Disc herniation occurs more frequently in middle-aged and older men, especially those involved in strenuous physical activity. Other risk factors include any conditions present at birth (congenital) that affect the size of the lumbar spinal canal.
What causes Spinal disc herniation?
The bones (vertebrae) of the spinal column run down the back, connecting the skull to the pelvis. These bones protect nerves that come out of the brain and travel down your back, forming the spinal cord. Nerve roots are large nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and leave your spinal column between each vertebrae.
The spinal vertebrae are separated by discs filled with a soft, gelatinous substance. These discs cushion the spinal column and space between your vertebrae. These discs may herniate (move out of place) or rupture from trauma or strain. When this happens, the spinal nerves may become compressed, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness. The lower back (lumbar area) of the spine is the most common area for a slipped disc. The cervical (neck) discs are affected 8% of the time. The upper-to-mid-back (thoracic) discs are rarely involved.
Radiculopathy refers to any disease that affects the spinal nerve roots. A herniated disc is one cause of radiculopathy (sciatica).
Disc herniation occurs more frequently in middle-aged and older men, especially those involved in strenuous physical activity. Other risk factors include any conditions present at birth (congenital) that affect the size of the lumbar spinal canal.