What causes mild herniation of S1 intervertebral disc?

Lumbar disc herniation is a relatively common orthopedic disease, which is mainly caused by degenerative changes in the nucleus pulposus, resulting in disc rupture under the action of external force. After lumbar disc herniation occurs, it has a significant impact on the patient's normal life. Many patients are concerned about the pathogenic factors of mild S1 disc herniation. So, what is the cause of mild S1 disc herniation? Let’s take a closer look at it below.

1. Basic Causes

1. Degenerative changes of the lumbar intervertebral disc are the basic factors

The degeneration of the nucleus pulposus is mainly manifested by a decrease in water content, and may cause small-scale pathological changes such as vertebral instability and loosening due to water loss; the degeneration of the annulus fibrosus is mainly manifested by a decrease in toughness.

2. Injury

Long-term and repeated external forces cause minor damage and aggravate the degree of degeneration.

3. Weakness of the intervertebral disc’s own anatomical factors

After adulthood, the intervertebral discs gradually lack blood circulation and have poor repair ability. On the basis of the above factors, some inducing factors that may cause a sudden increase in the pressure on the intervertebral disc may cause the less elastic nucleus pulposus to pass through the annulus fibrosus that has become less tough, causing nucleus pulposus herniation.

4. Genetic factors

There are reports of familial incidence of lumbar disc herniation, and the incidence of this disease is low in people of color.

5. Congenital abnormalities of lumbar sacrum

Including lumbar sacralization, sacral lumbarization, hemivertebra deformity, facet joint deformity and articular process asymmetry. The above factors can change the stress on the lower lumbar spine, resulting in increased intra-disc pressure and susceptibility to degeneration and injury.

(II) Predisposing factors

On the basis of intervertebral disc degeneration, certain factors that can induce a sudden increase in intervertebral space pressure can cause nucleus pulposus herniation. Common triggering factors include increased abdominal pressure, incorrect waist posture, sudden weight bearing, pregnancy, cold and moisture.

The above is an introduction to the causes of mild S1 disc herniation. I hope it will be helpful for patients. The causes of mild S1 disc herniation are quite complicated, so it is best to actively prevent it in daily life. In addition, the treatment methods for mild disc herniation caused by different causes are different, and targeted measures should be taken for treatment.