Men are twice as likely to experience herniated disc injuries as women. These injuries are a common cause of neck pain and back pain, and they can significantly affect your quality of life and overall health.
At Orthopedic & Wellness in Frederick, Waldorf, and Germantown, Maryland, Dr. Ojedapo Ojeyemi sees firsthand how herniated discs affect people of all ages.
June is Men’s Health Month, making this the perfect time to highlight why men are more vulnerable to herniated disc injuries and what they can do to protect their back.
Men with physically demanding jobs are at greater risk of developing a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the tough outer layer of the disc tears or cracks, allowing the inner gel-like material to leak out. This can compress or irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
Jobs such as construction, warehouse work, or manufacturing involve repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting. Over time, these movements place significant strain on the spine, increasing the risk of both acute injury and accelerated disc degeneration.
Proper lifting and using supportive back braces may help protect your spine and back to prevent injuries.
High-impact and strength-training sports, such as football, rugby, and powerlifting, are more common among men and can put added stress on the spine. These activities may lead to sudden disc injuries or contribute to long-term wear and tear.
Staying active is important for overall health, but proper precautions matter. Warming up, cooling down, and using correct form during exercise can help reduce strain on the spine and reduce the risk of injury.
Certain lifestyle habits may also increase the risk of herniated discs. For example, smoking reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, accelerating degeneration and slowing the healing process. Men are more likely to smoke than women.
Not getting enough physical activity is another contributing factor. Sitting for long periods, whether at a desk or behind the wheel, places added pressure on the lower back and can weaken core muscles that support the spine.
Many men are conditioned to “push through” the pain, but this approach can lead to more serious problems. Pain is often a signal that something isn’t right. Ignoring it may worsen the injury and delay recovery.
If you have sudden or persistent neck or back pain, it’s important to get a medical evaluation. Herniated discs can also cause tingling, numbness, or burning sensations that travel into your arms or legs. Without proper care, herniated discs may lead to chronic pain.
Our orthopedic and pain management experts at Orthopedic & Wellness can determine if a herniated disc is responsible for your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment for a herniated disc may include:
Most herniated discs get better without surgery. However, when medical interventions aren’t enough, minimally invasive spine surgery may help relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
You don’t have to live with ongoing back pain or neck pain. If you think you may have a herniated disc, our team can help you find relief and get back to your daily activities.
Call Orthopedic & Wellness today or book an appointment online to get started.
