5 FACTS ABOUT HERNIATED DISCS – KNOW EARLY TO BETTER PROTECT YOUR SPINE

✅ This article is medically reviewed by Specialist Level 1 Nguyen Nguyen Khang - Orthopedic Trauma Specialty at CarePlus International Clinics. 

💥Have you ever experienced numbness from your back down to your legs after sitting or standing for a long time, or pain that radiates from your lower back down your leg while walking short distances, which subsides when you stop to rest? Many tend to dismiss these signs as simply “part of aging” — but they may actually be early indicators of a herniated disc, one of the leading causes of mobility impairment and decreased quality of life if not diagnosed and treated promptly. 

👉 Below are 5 important facts about herniated discs that you should know — to proactively protect your spinal health and that of your loved ones. 

📌 What is a herniated disc? 

A herniated disc occurs when the soft nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc pushes out through a tear in the annulus fibrosus and compresses the spinal canal or nerve roots. The most commonly affected areas are the cervical spine (C3–C4, C5–C6) and the lumbar spine (L4–L5, L5–S1). 

📌 5 key facts about herniated discs you need to know 

1️⃣ Disc degeneration with age is inevitable 

Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging. Over time, discs lose their elasticity and ability to absorb shock, increasing the risk of herniation. 

2️⃣ Herniated discs may or may not present symptoms 

Not all herniated discs cause symptoms. Some individuals may have herniated discs without experiencing pain if the herniation does not compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. 

⛔ However, when compression occurs, patients may experience symptoms such as: 

🔸 Neck pain radiating to the shoulders or one/both arms 

🔸 Lower back pain that radiates down the leg, often worsening during walking and relieved by resting 

🔸 Numbness in the hands 

🔸 Numbness in the lower back when sitting or standing for long periods 

🔸 Weakness or muscle wasting in the arms or legs 

🔸 Urinary or bowel dysfunction 

To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors typically rely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the exact location and extent of the compression. 

3️⃣ Herniated discs can begin as early as age 35 

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, up to 30% of Vietnam’s population suffers from lumbar disc herniation, and the condition is increasingly affecting younger adults, including those in their 20s. 

📝 The main causes of herniated discs in young people are poor posture in daily activities (e.g., slouching for extended periods, incorrect sitting positions, prolonged forward head posture while working on computers or phones, improper lifting techniques), and sudden trauma or accidents. 

4️⃣ Herniated discs are more common in older adults (aged 65 and above) 

The prevalence of herniated discs increases with age due to spinal degeneration and reduced disc function over time. 

5️⃣ Degeneration is irreversible 

While we cannot “rejuvenate” intervertebral discs, we can maintain disc health longer by living a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and managing body weight. Early detection and timely treatment can effectively control the condition, allowing patients to maintain an active lifestyle. 

🔔 Therefore, early screening upon noticing symptoms is essential. It allows you to detect hidden abnormalities in time, receive appropriate interventions, and protect your spine for the long term. 

To help customers proactively screen for musculoskeletal conditions — especially herniated discs — CarePlus offers the following services: 

✅ In-depth consultations with experienced and dedicated orthopedic & musculoskeletal specialists 

✅ MRI spine scans powered by AI 

These services are designed to detect conditions such as cervical disc herniation, lumbar disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, spinal tumors, myelitis, and congenital abnormalities. Importantly, they provide an accurate assessment of nerve root compression to determine the cause of pain, evaluate the condition, and select the most appropriate treatment. 

🌟 CarePlus is proud to be a pioneer in Vietnam in applying MRI and CT scans powered by AI — a technological breakthrough in musculoskeletal screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring — offering customers a safe, accurate, and comfortable healthcare experience. 

👉 Please call our free hotline at 1800 6116 to book your appointment today!