Learning about slipped disc causes can be important if you have been diagnosed with a related condition and you want to find effective treatment to relieve your discomfort. Slipped disc is actually a nonmedical term that is sometimes used to describe conditions like herniated discs, bulging discs or spondylolisthesis, which is slippage of the vertebrae.

If you believe you have a slipped disc, speak with your doctor for an exact diagnosis or to receive clarification about your existing condition. Understanding your condition, how it developed and why it is causing you pain, can help you be more engaged with the treatment process.

Lifestyle factors that can cause a slipped disc

Slipped disc causes include traumatic injuries, like those sustained in a car accident or contact sports, while some people may simply be genetically predisposed to developing this type of degenerative spine condition. In most cases, however, disc deterioration is brought on by the natural wear and tear that is related to aging. Over time, the discs between vertebrae lose water, height and elasticity, making them less able to withstand the constant movement and pressure that the spine is subjected to constantly.

While nothing can be done to stop the aging process, there are a variety of lifestyle factors that may contribute to the degenerative process and cause the conditions associated with a slipped disc, including:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Poor posture
• A sedentary lifestyle
• High-impact sports
• Prolonged overexertion

Finding effective treatment for a slipped disc

Once you have received a diagnosis from your doctor, he or she will likely try to determine the underlying slipped disc causes and isolate lifestyle factors that should be adjusted. Other nonsurgical treatment methods may include physical therapy, hot/cold compresses and over-the-counter or prescription pain medication. Surgery will rarely be necessary for the symptoms of a slipped disc, though some patients will be unable to find relief with conservative treatments.

If you are recommended to undergo surgery for a slipped disc, it is important to know about the treatment options available to you. At USA Spine Care, our minimally invasive spine surgery has helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from neck and back pain without the need for highly invasive traditional open spine surgery. Contact us today to learn more about our highly skilled medical staff, our facilities and our procedures.

We will be happy to help you receive a no-cost MRI or CT scan review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.

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