1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Collapsed Disc Risk Factors
• »
• Collapsed Disc Risk Factors

Collapsed Disc - Risk Factors and Treatments

The term “collapsed disc” is used to describe one of several spinal conditions that can cause an intervertebral disc to lose height, become thinner, or become misshapen. These spinal conditions, which include degenerative disc disease and herniated discs, can sometimes lead to significant pain and discomfort when reduced disc space causes other anatomical elements of the spine to shift out of place and compress a spinal nerve.

Risk Factors

Risk factors that can lead toward the development of a collapsed disc include both preventable and changeable factors as well as those that are uncontrollable, including:

• Weight – Patients who are overweight are more likely to develop a collapsed disc because of the extra stress that excess weight places on the neck and back.
• Age – The spine naturally degenerates as we age. Patients who are over the age of 35 are more likely to develop a collapsed disc as a result of these degenerative changes.
• Smoking – Tobacco use decreases oxygen levels in the blood, which can affect numerous parts of the body. Smoking can deprive the body of essential nutrients and intervertebral discs are no exception.
• Physical demands – Working in a physically demanding job or participating in high-impact sports such as gymnastics and football can place additional wear and tear on the spine. This overexertion can cause accelerated degenerative changes in the spine, which my lead to a collapsed disc.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Treatments

Patients who are already experiencing the symptoms of a collapsed disc (including sharp or dull pain, muscle weakness, and numbness) have several treatment options. Many patients respond to over-the-counter pain medications, moderate exercise, and intermittent rest. Patients who suspect they may be suffering from a collapsed disc may benefit from the endoscopic treatments performed by the orthopedic surgeons at Laser Spine Institute. Contact us for more information about our safe, effective outpatient procedures, and to schedule a complimentary review of your CT scan or MRI.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.