Back pain is one of the most common health complaints among men and women in the United States. A person can suffer pain from pulling a muscle, from early symptoms or a kidney infection, or from an injury to the spin or the lower back. One common cause of pain in the back is a herniated disk, also known as ruptured disks.

The spine is made up of s series of separated bones. Each vertebrae is cushioned by a disk of tissue between each vertebrae made up of cartilage. Herniated disks occur when a small portion of cartilage in a vertebrae pushes out through the tunnel in the spine. An individual’s risk of developing this condition increases as he gets older. The water content in the cartilage in the vertebrae of the spinal column lowers. This makes the back less able to absorb the same shock levels that the back can absorb in a younger person.

Pain is the most common symptom associated with this condition. It starts as a radiating, aching pain in the back. A patient may also experience numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, because the cartilage presses against the nerves in the back. Whether the arms or legs are affected depends on which vertebrae in the spine has been effected. If the pain in the arms or legs worsens when the patient coughs or sneezes, it is an indication that he or she has a herniated disk.

Most problems with back do not usually require severe treatment. If a patient has problems with back pain for more than seven days, he or she should see a doctor. A doctor can determine whether a person’s back pain is caused by a ruptured disk, or if it is caused by a more severe condition. Although it is rare, a tumor pressing on the back can cause many of the same symptoms.

The condition can be disabling, but it does usually improve on its own. A doctor or chiropractor may recommend light activity for several weeks. The rupture should heal into three or four weeks, as long as the patient takes it easy. Strenuous activity will delay the healing or worsen the condition.

The cause of many herniated disks is not known. A person can reduce his risk of developing one by using proper lifting techniques. This includes using your knees instead of using your back when lifting heavy items.

People who overweight and people who are tall are more likely to develop this condition than other segments of the populations. The condition occurs most frequently in middle-aged men, although it can affect women as well. Men tend to suffer from the condition more than women because they are more likely to be employed in occupations that have a high rate of back injuries.