Causes and risk factors of Cervical Disc Herniation

In general, disc herniation is the result of gradual wear associated with ageing. This wear is known as “disc degeneration”. As the body ages, the vertebral discs lose part of their water content, which makes them less flexible and more prone to tear or rupture, even with a minimum effort or turn.

A sedentary life style is another important factor, since the loss of the muscle component weakens the complex structure of the vertebral column. Our posture at work is also related to this; we often sit with our backs slightly arched forward and with the head bent, which loads the intervertebral discs even more. Another factor is exerting unusual forces on the column (exercise or sports not well-controlled, efforts at work or at home, etc.).