(HealthDay News) -- A herniated (sometimes called "ruptured") disk in the back or neck can cause severe pain and numbness.

Disks are the soft, rubbery pads found between the spine's vertebrae. When stressed or overused from wear-and-tear, the center of the disk can push through its outer edge, putting pressure on nearby sensitive nerves.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these common risk factors for herniated disks:

* Lifting objects the wrong way.
* Smoking.
* Being overweight, which causes stress on the spine.

The last couple nights, I have had the worst and I mean worst leg spasms or "charlie horses" that woke me out of a dead sleep.

A few things have changed in the last week in my life, including becoming more active on my legs. I figured that since I have become more active, maybe I was burning more calories or 'something' that caused me to have these horrible late night pains.

So I did some soul searching on the Internet and wanted to share some fabulous information that I found about how to combat that night time terror.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/night-l...

Dr. Mao shares how a diet rich in minerals prevents osteoporosis.

So not only is vitamin D touted as a way to ward off death just a little bit longer, but according to a new study from the Institute of Child Health in London, it may now help with chronic pain.

What’s more intriguing for women is that the link in low vitamin D and chronic pain doesn’t apply to men, suggesting hormones may be involved.

Vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones, is produced in the body when exposed to sunlight and is also found in egg yolks, oilier fish and margarine. Apparently if you don’t get enough, you may be more susceptible to chronic pain.

I had an ankle fusion in June 2004 and found out today that a second one needs to be done.I am very scared because the first one was mentally and physically draining.Even at four years out I feel it was one of the worst things I could have done.Now my back,hips and knee is causing me problems,which is because of my gait pattern. I would like to know if anyone out there has or is having difficulties because of a fusion? If so,how are you dealing with it? Thanks,Vicki :)

I have recently been diagnosed with RA and am on some heavy duty drugs. I would like feedback from other ra patients. Are these drugs safe long term? What is your cancer risk? life expentancy? I am 63. Will this disease progress more rapidly because of my age. I am going to a good facility (I hope) but my doctor does not really have a lot of time to discuss anything with me. He seems to be good medically. There is
very little support for this disease. Maybe I am overacting to the severity of it. What are the bes facilities for this disease? Any support would be appreciated.

Four common stumbling blocks that can break your stride — and how to get back on your feet forever.

We've been discussing exercise: how much do you need, should you do, can you fit into your day? Walking is what we humans are meant to do, and it's a free, easy form of exercise. JoAnn Manson, MD, chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston says most women can stick with a walking program for a lifetime.

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I'd like to hear from anyone who has experience with Boniva. My doctor wants me to start taking it but I alwys worry about side effects. So if you take this drug has it helped you ? How long did you have to wait till you knew if it was doing you any good? I took Evista for seven years before finding, in spite of yearly bone denisty tests, it was not helping me. Also did anyone have negative side effects? Thanks

Hello, my name is Mary. I am 59 and have had RA since I was in my early 30s. I do enjoy listening to other patients out there whom share the same dibiliating disease,and getting their stories and inputs on treatments. I am glad I stumbled upon this website, I think its a great place to share information and have someone out there to listen when you want to talk. I look forward to sharing and helping others if I can.