As you age, you’re at an increased risk of suffering from a herniated disc near Miami, particularly if you play sports. Athletes are more likely to develop disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and lower back pain due to the nature of their regular physical activity. Here is a look at the risk of herniated discs in athletes, and the herniated disc treatment and herniated disc surgery available at a spine center or spine institute.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a cracked or bulging disc that occurs in the vertebrae of the spine. The most common type of disc herniation is a lumbar herniated disc, which occurs in the lower back. This causes lower back pain, lumbar pain, and sciatica. Disc herniation can occur when the discs become weak and brittle with age, or if they are weakened due to a condition like degenerative disc disease. When the discs are weakened, even a slight twisting or turning motion can cause a herniated disc or bulging disc.
Why are Athletes at a Higher Risk of Disc Herniation?
Athletes are more likely to suffer from disc herniation or a bulging disc due to the nature of their physical activity. Their spinal column and muscles are subjected to repetitive stress every time they participate in an athletic activity. If the discs are already weak or brittle due to age or degenerative disc disease, a slight injury or wrong move during athletic activity can cause a herniated disc or bulging disc.
What Herniated Disc Treatments are Available at Spine Centers?
If you suspect that you have a herniated disc or bulging disc, you should visit a spine center or spine institute near you for diagnosis. A doctor will first recommend conservative herniated disc treatments, such as pain medication, spinal injections, immobilization, rest, and activity modification. If you still have lower back pain and sciatica after conservative herniated disc treatments, he may recommend that you undergo herniated disc surgery or laser spine surgery.
