Home

Laser Spine Institute

Laser Spine Institute's minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternative to open neck or back surgery.

Our revolutionary endoscopic surgical techniques are proven to help patients return to their normal, active lifestyles. Every month, more people come to Laser Spine Institute for help in relieving their neck and back pain than to any other spine surgery center in the world.
Conditions
Spine Conditions
- All Spinal Conditions
- Arthritis of the Spine
- Spine Articles
- Bulging Disc
- Herniated Disc
- Pinched Nerve
- Sciatica
- Spinal Stenosis
Spine Conditions A to Z
Procedures
Endoscopic Spine Procedures
There are many spinal conditions that are treated at the Laser Spine Institute. All procedures are uniquely designed and developed to provide patients with the best possible medical care.More on endoscopic spine procedures
About LSI
About Laser Spine Institute
Testimonials

Laser Spine Institute has amazing care with miraculous results.I am pain free at last and looking forward to once again living a full life.
Learn More
Free Seminars

What is minimally invasive spine surgery and can this procedure help you?You can get these answers by attending a Free Educational Seminar.
- Seminar Overview
- Upcoming Seminars
- What to Expect
LSI Doctors
Laser Spine Institute Doctors
The physicians at Laser Spine Institute care about you and your condition.More about our doctors and medical staff
- View Laser Spine Institute Doctors
Contact
Contact Us

Contact Us
Toll Free at: Submit a Contact Form Request

You are here

Torn Disc
- Torn Disc Overview
  - What Are Torn Discs?
Types of Torn Discs
- Types of Torn Discs
  - Cervical
  - Thoracic
  - Lumbar
  - Back
    - Lower Back
Torn Disc Symptoms
- Torn Disc Symptoms
Torn Disc Treatment
- Torn Disc Treatment
Torn Disc Prevention
- Torn Disc Prevention
Torn Disc Risk Factors
- Torn Disc Risk Factors
  - Aging

Torn Disc Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatments

Torn Disc Risk Factors

Many conditions affecting the neck and back are preventable to some extent, including the development of a torn disc. Risk factors are not always avoidable, but steering clear of those that are can significantly reduce one’s chance for developing a torn disc.

Risk Factors

The natural aging process is one of the most common causes of a torn disc and is, obviously, one of the risk factors that is unavoidable. Between the ages of 30 and 50, intervertebral discs begin to deteriorate from the continued stress and pressure that is placed on them. These changes can make a disc more susceptible to developing a tear. Though aging is inevitable, the following torn disc risk factors can be avoided:

Smoking – Smoking reduces oxygen levels in the blood and deprives intervertebral discs of essential nutrients.
Obesity – Carrying extra weight places undue pressure on the spine and can promote degeneration.
Overexertion – Participating in high-impact sports such as hockey, football, and gymnastics can lead to premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs.

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

Symptoms

Those who develop a torn disc despite their best efforts to avoid smoking, obesity, over-exertion and other risk factors can experience a great deal of pain. Muscle weakness, numbness, spasms, and tingling may also occur and can be felt in the neck, back, and/or extremities. A torn disc is typically only symptomatic when the interior of a disc seeps through the tear and enters into the spinal canal.

Treatments

Many of the symptoms of a torn disc can be alleviated with physical therapy, pain medications, and hot and/or cold compresses. If these conservative treatments fail to provide relief, a doctor may recommend surgery. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about our endoscopic, outpatient procedures that can help you find relief from back and neck pain.

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

Contact Laser Spine Institute