Herniated Disc Pain: 4 Risk Factors That Make Men More Susceptible

Herniated discs are one of the most common causes of back pain, affecting between 5% and 20% of the adult population annually. Most people experience their first disc herniation between the ages of 30 and 50. Men are roughly twice as likely to suffer from this complaint than women.

At Seattle Spine Institute in Seattle, Washington, our experienced spine specialists routinely diagnose and treat pain caused by herniated discs. Here’s what we want you to know about why men can be more susceptible to herniated disc pain.

The basics of disc herniation

Your spinal discs are sandwiched between the bones of your spine and have three basic components. First are the cartilaginous endplates, which anchor the disc to the spinal bones above and below. Between these endplates is a “jelly doughnut” of sorts, composed of the outer annulus fibrosus and the inner nucleus pulposus. 

As the names suggest, the endplates are mostly made of cartilage. The outer ring of the “doughnut” is made up of many thin layers of fibrous connective tissue, while the center is a gel-like pulp composed primarily of water and collagen. This central gel is the main load-bearing part of the disc.

When a disc herniates, the outer ring cracks or tears and the gel pushes outward, impacting nerves running up and down the spinal canal. This can cause severe pain, numbness, burning sensations, and aching extending outward from the injury; both up and down the spine as well as to either side and even down the extremities. 

4 factors that put men at a higher risk of disc herniation  

There are several reasons that men are more likely to have degenerative issues than women. These include:

1. Weight

Being overweight is a major risk factor for disc herniation. According to statistics, 34.1% of men are overweight vs. 27.5% of women.

2. Tobacco use

Another top risk factor for herniated discs is tobacco use. More than a third of men smoke, while fewer than a tenth of women do.

3. Occupational hazards

Overall, men tend to work in roles that pose a higher risk of disc injury than women do. Such jobs include construction, warehouse labor, manufacturing and janitorial jobs requiring heavy lifting or including a fall risk from elevation. 

4. Sports

Men participate and compete in higher numbers in contact or high-impact sports with a high risk of spinal injury, such as American football, ice hockey, and rugby. 

The data points to men having a higher risk of disc herniation than women, but much of the risk can be mitigated with lifestyle changes. Steps to take to protect your discs might include:

• Losing weight
• Stopping smoking
• Following work safety guidelines especially at heights or when lifting heavy items
• Practicing sports safety during practice and play

Need to learn more about herniated discs and solutions for chronic spinal pain? Contact our Seattle, Washington, office location to schedule an appointment today by calling 206-322-1765, or contact us online.