Do Herniated Discs Run in Families?

From looking at a skeleton, the spine may seem like a strong and stable part of human anatomy. But, if you’ve ever experienced ongoing neck pain or back pain, you’ve likely already felt the effects of spinal issues. And, if you’ve watched others in your family struggle to cope with spinal injuries like a herniated disc, you should know that you could be at a higher risk of similar problems since degenerative disc disease does tend to run in families.

Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Beejal Y. Amin of Hinsdale and Woodridge, Illinois, helps new and existing patients with herniated discs. If you’re concerned about your risks for spinal issues, consult with Dr. Amin and learn about risk factors and prevention strategies you should use to keep your spine strong and healthy for years to come.

Herniated discs and heredity

Within your spine, cushioning spinal discs fill the spaces between each of your spinal bones (vertebrae). Each disc contains a soft gel-like core, with a hard outer shell containing it.

When a disc herniates, damage to the outer disc shell causes the inner material to leak into your spinal canal. This material, entering spaces where it doesn’t belong, often results in pinched nerves and long-term pain problems in your back and limbs.

Many factors can cause a disc to herniate, including totally random accidents and injuries that it may not be possible to prevent. However, herniated discs often occur due to degenerative disc disease, a condition which is unfortunately hereditary, which means that herniated discs can run in families. If your family members have struggled with this type of spinal condition, you have an increased risk of degenerative disc disease and eventual disc herniation.

Preventing disc herniation

When you know your risks, you can take steps to protect your spinal health and prevent disc herniation. You can’t do anything to manage hereditary risks, but you can inform yourself about your risk level. You may still be able to make changes to reduce your risk of disc herniation. 

Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on your back and makes herniation more likely, so healthy weight loss may be a good idea if you know you’re already at risk for hereditary back problems. Strengthening your core muscles and paying extra attention to posture in stressful positions, such as bending, twisting, or lifting heavy loads, also protects your spine from injury.

Treating herniated discs

If you do end up dealing with a herniated disc, as others in your family have done, Dr. Amin offers state-of-the-art treatment and spinal restoration. He starts your treatment with the most conservative options first, exploring whether your pain benefits from rest, physical therapy, or medications like muscle relaxants. If conservative methods don’t work, you may need surgery to restore your spine and relieve your symptoms.

If you have concerns about a family medical history of herniated discs or currently suffer from persistent back pain, contact Dr. Amin for consultation and evaluation. Call your nearest location to schedule an appointment, or book online today.