One must understand natural aging will cause changes in the spine. In most cases good diet and exercise will delay the process. Unfortunately too little to late is what I see too often. Your spine is in need of day-to-day activity so that the bone or outer disc remain strong. Most herniations occur because the disc becomes weaken and the inner fluid leaks out thru a small defect. Fortunately.80 percent do not need surgery if there is no serious compression of the sciatic nerve.