Aging and Herniated Discs – Understanding the Connection

Aches and pains seem to be the inevitable partner of getting older. These issues often include conditions like aging and herniated discs. The medical world still assures you that some of these problems are avoidable. It’s not always clear why some people suffer heavily from conditions like osteoarthritis, for example, while others seem to sidestep symptoms.

Like osteoarthritis, herniated discs are often brought on by age-related deterioration and ordinary wear and tear.  Is there a link between age and your risk of suffering a herniated disc? There could be, depending on several factors. If you’re suffering from back pain that doesn’t resolve, contact Atlas Neurosurgery & Spine to investigate the problem.

Disc Issues

In everyday language, you hear the term “slipped disc,” suggesting that the cushioning pads between vertebrae can slide out of position like the cushions on that couch that got relegated to the basement. In reality, that doesn’t happen.

When you have a “slipped disc,” you likely have either a bulging or herniated disc. The disk itself is still where it’s supposed to be, but there’s an injury forcing it outside its usual boundaries.

The difference between bulging and herniated discs

A common analogy compares vertebral discs to jelly donuts. They’re composed of a tougher outer tissue — the “donut” — surrounding a softer, more fluid tissue in the middle, the “jelly.” Of course, these tissues are both stronger than their baked analogy, but the general construction is similar.

  • Bulging Disc: The disc is pushed out of shape, but the outer layer remains intact. This deformation can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain.

  • Herniated Disc: The outer shell ruptures, allowing the softer inner material to leak out and press on surrounding nerves, often causing more intense symptoms.

Aging and Herniated Discs: Why Age Increases Risk

Disc herniation typically results from years of wear and tear, use, and misuse. As with many other body tissues, spinal discs dry out and become more brittle as you age, making them more susceptible to injury — even from activities you previously handled easily.

How Discs Change With Age

  • The distinction between the outer and inner disc tissues becomes less defined.

  • The outer disc layer develops small fissures and tears — often starting in your 20s or 30s.

  • Disc aging patterns vary widely, so some people experience problems while others do not.

Age-Related Risk Factors for Herniated Discs

Certain conditions or habits can increase the risk of herniated discs as you grow older, including:

  • Physically demanding jobs involving repetitive bending, lifting, or pulling

  • Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen

  • Smoking, which interferes with oxygen supply to discs

  • Family history of disc problems

When to See a Specialist

If you feel pain, numbness, or tingling in your back or legs, contact Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center at any of its Phoenix or Sun City locations. Scheduling your consultation early increases your chances of effective relief, so reach out by phone or online today.