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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.
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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
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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

What Causes a Torn Disc?

A torn intervertebral disc can prove quite painful for some patients. After experiencing the discomfort associated with this spinal condition, many patients are motivated to prevent future disc tears and often begin this process by asking, “What causes a torn disc?” Though some patients may be disappointed to learn that the most common cause, the aging process, is unpreventable, there are still certain risk factors that can be avoided in order to limit the severity of a torn disc.

Causes

Torn discs most commonly occur as a result of the natural aging process. As a person grows older, the tough exterior (the annulus fibrosus) of a disc can become less flexible while the soft interior (the nucleus pulposus) can dry out. These degenerative changes often prevent the disc from providing as much support and cushioning to the vertebrae as it did when it was younger and healthier. Everyday activities, such as walking, sitting, and standing, can apply continued stress to the disc, which may cause an older, less healthy disc to tear. Torn discs can also occur in younger patients as a result of sudden, harsh impact, such as that from a car accident or sports injury.

Risk Factors

Though this spinal condition is often unpreventable, avoiding the following risk factors can decrease a patient’s likelihood of developing a torn disc:

Smoking
Obesity
Heavy lifting
High-impact exercises

Patients who are concerned about developing a torn disc should discuss other preventable measures with their primary care physician or neck and back specialist.

Safe, Effective Outpatient Treatments

Those who have already developed this condition may want to consider receiving treatment from the orthopedic experts at Laser Spine Institute. Contact us to learn about our outpatient endoscopic procedures and to schedule a complimentary MRI or CT scan review.

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

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