Herniated disc

Want to know what a herniated disc means? And do you want to know ways to avoid this painful condition? If you continue reading the article, you will find all the answers you are looking for.

Sometimes a person sins against himself and neglects his health, and thus exposes himself to many diseases, including herniated disc, which often occurs due to wrong health habits.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a disease that appears as a bump or tear in the intervertebral herniated disc, and the disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae in the lower back is one of the most exposed discs to this rupture.

Symptoms of a herniated disc

In the case of a herniated disc, the patient feels some symptoms, most notably:

  • 1- Severe pain in the area of injury: most often in the lower back, and the pain may extend to the upper leg.
  • 2- Inability to walk long distances: increased pain when exerting any motor effort, as well as cramps in the back.
  • 3- Pain when standing for long periods: This is because the body cannot withstand pressure on the muscles when standing.

Causes of a herniated disc

Herniated disc is caused by weakness of the back and neck muscles, and there are many causes of its injury, and the most prominent causes are the following:

A problem with the rubber pad between the vertebrae of the back

A problem with the rubber pad between the vertebrae of the back, known as the back disc, leads to a herniated disc.

Where there is a soft gelatinous substance in its center, and if this material leaks into the spinal canal, pressure occurs on the nerves and pain is felt in them.

Poor cartilage construction

Poor construction of the cartilage or ligaments that support the surrounding cartilage or fibrous frame, all of which are problems that result in a herniated disc.

Lack of joint mobility

Lack of movement, sitting in fixed positions for long periods, and irregular exercise, all lead to inflexibility of the cartilage and consequently a herniated disc.

Other causes

The causes of herniated disc can include the following:

  • Carry heavy objects.
  • Aging.
  • Obesity and overweight.
  • Having an accident

Ways to avoid a herniated disc

To avoid a herniated disc and reduce the likelihood of developing it, it is recommended to do these things:

Regular exercise

Among the most prominent sports that ensure the preservation of the vertebrae are swimming, and exercises for strengthening muscles.

Walking should also be practiced 4 times a week for 30 minutes to an hour at a time.

Practice correct positions to hold objects

If you want to carry something from the ground, the knees must be bent, not the back, to remain upright.

It is also preferable to avoid carrying heavy objects that the body cannot tolerate, and if the person has to, he should seek the help of someone else to carry them with him.

Not holding one position while sitting

It is preferable to change the way you sit after 45 minutes at most, and it is recommended to walk for 5 minutes and then sit again.

Sitting should also be upright to the back, because arching the back leads to many health problems, not just a herniated disc.

Weight Maintenance


Weight must be maintained because being overweight increases the likelihood of back and body problems and pain, in addition to feeling tired from the slightest movement you make.

Herniated disc treatment

In the event of severe back pain, you should quickly visit the doctor, and the treatment is through some methods, including:

  • - Drugs and medications: There are some medications that can be taken to treat the problem in addition to adhering to practicing healthy habits.
  • - Cortisone injections: which are taken in the spine, especially in pain sites, and these injections help to feel better and treat the problem to a large extent.
  • - Physical therapy: In addition to medications and injections, the patient may need physical therapy to restore the flexibility of the body and vertebrae.
  • - Surgical treatment: In the event that there is no benefit and result of taking medications, the doctor has to resort to surgery to remove part of the vertebral bone, which affects the nerves and causes pressure on them.