4 Factors That Make Men More Vulnerable to Herniated Disc Injuries

Since June is Men’s Health Month, we thought this would be a great time to discuss herniated discs. While both women and men can experience them, men are twice as likely to develop the condition. 

At Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California, we’re here to help. We guide you through healing, and in the unlikely event your case doesn’t respond to conservative care, we can help with surgical solutions as well. 

So, why are men so vulnerable to herniated disc injuries? Let’s take a closer look. 

Disc anatomy

Your spinal discs have a tough outer ring that encloses a gel-like center. Spinal discs primarily act as spacers and shock absorbers, and this construction generally works well. 

When a herniation happens, the outer shell cracks and the inner gel escapes. Naturally, this changes the orientation of the spine. Symptoms often result from these changes, although it’s also possible for you to have a herniated disc without symptoms. 

Most cases of pain related to a disc rupture will heal with rest, time, and treatment. Medical care can often speed healing or provide symptom relief. 

4 Factors that make men more vulnerable to herniated disc injuries

Why do men experience more herniated discs than women? In most cases, it’s likely a combination of elements, including: 

Aging

While disc degeneration affects both women and men, the process starts earlier in men. The tissues of spinal discs lose moisture, leading to reduced volume and dry, brittle conditions that lead to more frequent herniations. 

Often, this coincides with the peak of a man’s working life, between the ages of 30 and 50. 

Biology

Men carry much of their weight in the upper body. This places stress on the spine in a higher location on average than in women. 

Increased male muscle mass increases the force of the load on the spine. Furthermore, the dominant male sex hormone, testosterone, plays a role in how the tissue in a spinal disc responds to wear-and-tear. 

Lifestyle

Statistically, men are more likely to have careers in physically demanding professions, including construction, factory work, logistics, and professional sports. The forces required to perform some of these jobs are enough to contribute to disc ruptures.

Unbalanced postures and lifting techniques add additional strain, particularly on the lower back. Lack of ergonomic support in sedentary jobs, such as desk work and driving, also increases the force exerted on the lower back.

Behavior

There’s a general male tendency to delay care, whether it’s avoiding doctor visits or pushing through pain. The net effect is pushing yourself beyond your capabilities, ignoring pain, and delaying care for injuries. 

There’s no need to live with the pain of a disc rupture. Contact Coast Neurosurgical Associates, online or by phone, to book a consultation with our herniated disc specialists today.