How does such a simple movement cause a disc bulge/herniation?
A disc bulge/herniation is almost always the result of a process. Factors that precede the pain and symptoms of disc injury include disc dehydration, unusual stress on the disc secondary to altered mechanics, and too much load on the disc due to weak core musculature. As is often the case with joint and spinal injuries, the problem starts small and then builds until it becomes symptomatic. Surely you’ve heard the phrase “the straw that broke the camels back”. For a disc bulge/herniation this can truly be the case. For example, a middle-aged accountant who sits for long periods, suffers from disc dehydration, and has poor mechanics from weak core musculature, then lifts a heavy piece of furniture and experiences acute low back and leg pain. Or perhaps many months after lifting the piece of furniture, he experiences no pain at all until he sneezes. However, the sneeze didn’t cause the disc bulge, but it does represent the final “straw” in a very lengthy process. Discs depend on water to
