Ruptured discs is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called degeneration of the disc. As you age, your spinal discs lose some of their water content, making them less flexible and more prone to rupturing. Many causes of ruptured disc stems from people using their back muscles instead of leg and thigh muscles to lift heavy objects. Twisting and turning while lifted can also be the cause for a ruptured disc.

Although less frequent, a fall or blow to the back can also cause a herniated disc. A herniated disc is another cause of back pain, sometimes called a slipped disc or a ruptured disc. As the spinal disc becomes less elastic, it can rupture. When the disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary, known as a herniated disc. This can irritate the nerve and result in pain, numbness or weakness in your back, leg or arm.