6 Factors That Make Men More Vulnerable to Spinal Disc Injuries, and How to Reduce Your Risk

Spinal discs sit between your vertebrae, the small bones that make up your spine. Also known as intervertebral discs, they provide cushion and shock absorption while keeping your spine flexible. 

When you injure a spinal disc, you can experience a range of bothersome symptoms, such as back pain, neck pain, and stiffness.

Spinal disc damage can affect anyone, but men are more vulnerable to the injuries. This is particularly true if you hold other risk factors as well.

Our expert team at Houston Pain Specialists, led by board-certified pain management specialist Hui Kang, MD, treats the pain from spinal disc injuries.

June is Men’s Health Month, making it an especially good time to learn about men’s spinal disc injuries, including ways to protect your spinal health all year round. 

Types of spinal disc injury

Disc herniation is the most common type of spinal disc injury. When you have a herniated disc, also known as a ruptured or slipped disc, the jelly-like insides leak out through a tear. This often compresses nerves in the area, leading to intense pain. 

Herniated discs can also cause numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, and weakness.

If a piece of disc material breaks away and sits outside of the disc, you have a sequestered disc. It’s more severe than other herniated discs, and your symptoms are likely to be worse, too.

Degenerative disc disease involves spinal disc injuries as well, due to discs wearing down and losing fluid over time. You can also sprain or strain a disc when disc fibers are torn or overstressed.

Factors that make men vulnerable to spinal disc injuries

Men ages 30-50 are twice as likely to develop a spinal disc injury as women. That said, anyone with similar risk factors can be just as vulnerable. 

Factors that can make a man more susceptible to the disc problems include:

• Overexercise 
• Work or other activities that involve repetitive bending or twisting
• Lifting heavy objects (with poor form)
• Prolonged sitting
• Smoking
• Higher body weight 

While findings are mixed on whether men sit more than women, one study showed that men sit more than women do in office settings. 

Worldwide, more men than women smoke and use tobacco products. Men are also more likely to engage in rigorous sporting activities and have physically demanding jobs.

And the more weight you carry, particularly compared with a healthy range for your frame, the more likely spinal disc compression becomes. In the United States, 1 in 3 men are obese, compared with 1 in 4 women.

Protecting your spinal discs

If you’re experiencing signs of a spinal disc injury, we can create a personalized treatment plan that eases your symptoms and lowers your risk for further problems.

Depending on your injury specifics and overall health, your plan may include oral medication, epidural injections, physical therapy, or exercise guidance. If conservative care isn’t enough, we may recommend a minimally invasive procedure or surgery.

We can also provide preventive lifestyle tips to keep your spine health going strong. 

To learn more about spinal disc injuries or get started with expert support, contact our Houston, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment.