A herniated disk is also known as a herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), a slipped disk or a ruptured disk. It is a serious condition that results when a spinal disk is damaged. A spinal or intervertebral disk is located between the bones or vertebrae of the spine. It functions as a sponge-like cushion to absorb impact from movement or pressure, and it also helps maintain back flexibility. The disk consists of a solid, tough external ring that surrounds a soft, central interior component known as nucleus pulposus. A disk becomes herniated when this soft internal material bulges through the external ring.
Age
The wear and tear and degeneration of spinal disks occur with aging. The degenerative process can cause the ligaments that hold spinal disks in place to become weak; thus, the ligaments can no longer support the disks and herniation can result.
Injury
Injury or trauma can cause a herniated disk; for example, car accidents are associated with herniated disks in the neck area. Falls and major twisting incidents, including sports-related injuries, also are other possible causes of a herniated disk. Excessive lifting, lifting too heavy of an object and incorrect lifting form can also lead to a herniated disk.
Vulnerability
Some people are more prone to disk disorders and might experience multiple herniated disks in the spinal column throughout their lifetime. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, research data suggest that a possible genetic tendency toward herniated disks exists, which may make them more common in certain families. Specifically, people who have this predisposition have an identified gene mutation that affects the proteins that are associated with intevertebral disks. As a result, the mutation increases the likelihood of disorders such as disk herniation.
