My Back Hurts — Is it Disc or Muscle Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. It afflicts millions of adults. But not all back pain is the same. Sometimes it can be dull and annoying, and other times, it can be sharp and excruciating. It can also come from different structures in your back. For example, it might emanate from your muscles or a herniated (slipped) disc. How can you distinguish between these two types of pain? This blog post provides helpful information.

Understanding Muscle Pain

Muscle pain in your back often occurs due to strain or injury to the muscles or ligaments. This type of pain is typically caused by activities that overstretch or overwork your muscles. Common triggers include improper lifting, sudden movements, or prolonged periods of poor posture. Muscle pain tends to feel localized and dull, but it can also be sharp if the strain is significant.

You may notice stiffness along the affected area, especially when you try to move or bend. Muscle pain can sometimes radiate outward, but it usually does not extend far. In most cases, this type of pain improves with rest, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter medications.

Understanding Disc Pain

Disc pain is usually the result of a herniated or slipped disc. This happens when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, irritating nearby nerves. Or, it may come from a bulging disc, wherein the disc’s outer layer extends outward but is not ruptured.  These condition are often caused by wear and tear over time, but they can also result from sudden injuries that strain your spine.

Disc-related pain tends to be sharp and intense. Unlike muscle pain, it often radiates to other parts of your body, such as your arms, hips, or legs. You may feel tingling or numbness in these areas, as well as weakness or spasms in your muscles.

A herniated disc is a serious problem and should be evaluated by a medical professional. Without timely treatment, there is a potential for permanent nerve damage.

When to Seek Help

You might not need to visit a doctor if:

• You believe your back pain is due to normal muscle soreness, such as what you might experience after a lot of physical activity.
• The pain is not severe, and it gradually improves.

Other types of back pain deserve prompt professional care. An orthopedic physician can help you determine the root cause of your discomfort and recommend appropriate treatment options.

It is especially urgent to see a doctor if you experience any of the following along with your back pain:

• Pain that radiates down your legs or arms
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Sudden, severe pain following an injury

Both muscle and disc pain can be awful! Pay attention to your symptoms, and see a qualified physician for care if necessary.

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics of Fort Lauderdale, our team of specialists offers a broad range of treatments for back pain. If you have recently been injured or have severe or ongoing pain, we can evaluate your case and recommend your next steps. Contact our office at 954-563-2707.