(HealthDay News) -- A spinal disk becomes herniated when the inside contents bulge out from a weakened portion of the disk and put pressure on surrounding nerves.

The resulting pain may affect the leg, foot or hip if the slipped disk is in the lower back. A herniated disk in the neck can cause pain in the upper back and shoulders.

The ADAM Encyclopedia says painful symptoms of a herniated disk tend to worsen:

• After you have been sitting down or standing for a long period.
• During the night.
• When you laugh, cough or sneeze.
• When you walk, even a short distance.
• When you bend over backward.