A herniated disk occurs when a soft pad between the vertebrae of the spine slips out, pressing against nearby nerves and causing pain.

Here are common risk factors, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

• Lifting objects incorrectly.
• Being a smoker.
• Being overweight.
• Applying sudden pressure to the spine.
• Repeated straining of the back muscles.

Source: HealthDay