Matching Your Risk Factors for Herniated Disks With its Symptoms
A herniated disk can affect anyone regardless of their age or gender. The first signs include lower back pain, numbness, general weakness, and burning sensations in the lower back. In some cases, your lower back pain may travel to your legs, affecting your quality of life. You do not have to endure your pain and misery when a Roswell herniated disc specialist is there to offer treatment and specialized care.
If you plan to book an appointment at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery for a ruptured disk, try to determine what type of risk factors can make you a perfect candidate for herniated disk treatment.
Who is at a greater risk for developing a herniated disk?
Your risk for developing a herniated disk is high if:
- You are overweight
If you are overweight or obese and have started noticing that you have back pain, you could have a herniated disk. It occurs when fats and muscles place a heavy weight on the disks, leading to lower back pain. The best way to avoid developing this condition is by shedding some weight. But if your lower back pain does not subside, see a spine specialist to determine how severe your herniated disk is.
- Your line of work impairs your disks’ functions
A person who works in a company whose job description requires them to load and offload items is two times more likely to have herniated disks than someone who sits behind a desk for three hours. The former engages in repetitive movements that may lead to lower back pain. Over time, their spinal disks wear and tear, leading to a rupture. If you have been experiencing lower back pain even if you are off work, see a spine specialist.
- Your family medical history shows evidence of the condition
Take a look at your family’s medical history. If your mother, father, or sibling was diagnosed with herniated disks, you could inherit the same. See a specialist if you develop any pain, numbness, or general weakness in your back.
- You smoke
Smoking is addictive, but it is a risk factor for a herniated disk. When you smoke, you compromise your disk’s ability to access and utilize oxygen. Over time, you develop herniated disks due to insufficient flow of oxygen. The only way to avoid developing this condition is to quit smoking. But if you already have a herniated disk due to smoking, seek a spine specialist’s assistance.
See a spine specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment
Lower back pain can be a symptom of many spine-related conditions. However, your risk factors for herniated disks can propagate the pain and other symptoms. If you notice that you are susceptible to one or more of these risk factors, see a spine specialist immediately. Untreated herniated disks can affect how you conduct your daily routine, compromising your quality of life. You do not have to wait until it gets to this point. To learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ruptured disks, organize an online consultation with a spine specialist today.
