Prophylaxis
Regular physical activity is very important for the body and, if done correctly, strengthens the lumbar and cervical spine, as well as the entire rest of the back. Muscular stabilisation of the back is the best prophylaxis against a slipped disc that there is: Sports such as swimming, climbing, or specific build-up in the gym are suitable for this. Continuous training over years is important.
In order to do justice to this, memberships in a sports club or a sports group are suitable. However, herniated discs can also be counteracted with small lifestyle changes. For example, an upright walk is healthier than a “crooked hump”, and drooping shoulders: Observe yourself in front of the mirror, and analyze your posture.
Do you tend to let your shoulders and arms hang forward? Is the back straight, or bent forward? Take an upright, straight position in front of the mirror and try to keep it permanently.
Even if it feels unfamiliar at first, it will have positive effects on your back in the long run. Especially if you sit at your workplace for long periods of time, you can make sure that you change your position regularly. If it is possible for you, take short breaks in continuous intervals in which you stand up and shift your weight. In this way you can avoid a permanent strain on the same places.
What exactly happens with a herniated disc?
The intervertebral disc consists of a solid cartilage ring, in the middle of which lies a water-rich core that acts as a shock absorber like a water cushion. In addition, it distributes the high load on it evenly over the entire intervertebral disc. If high loads occur, the water core is compressed and loses its water content.
This causes it to shrink. We can understand this quite impressively if we measure our height once while standing and once after 5 minutes of lying down. We are a good 1-2 cm taller when lying down, as there is no weight on the intervertebral discs.
If it comes to a permanent incorrect load on individual intervertebral discs, the force effect automatically increases and the water core can no longer regenerate. In addition, the water core gives way to the load in the direction of the least resistance, so that the entire intervertebral disc shifts. This is known to us as a slipped disc.
As you can see, this is a mechanical event, which is based on physical processes. A psychological cause is therefore relatively unlikely as a primary event. However, stress and psyche can further promote a herniated disc.
