Back pain affects millions of people globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2020, 619 million people worldwide suffered from lower back pain.[1] Understanding the root cause of your back pain, whether a dull, persistent ache or a sharp sensation, is essential for effective treatment. Two familiar sources of back pain are disc-related issues and muscle strains.[2] Differentiating between the two can help you seek the appropriate treatment and put you on the road to recovery and relief.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can have many causes, such as poor posture, sudden movements, improper lifting, obesity, accidents and sedentary lifestyles. Among the primary culprits are muscle strain, ligament sprains, arthritis and disc-related problems. Age-related changes of the spine, such as degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, are common causes of chronic back pain.[3]
Disc Pain Vs. Muscle Pain – What’s the Difference?
Determining whether your back pain is disc-related or muscle-related is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Both issues can cause generalized back pain, making identifying the cause difficult. The type of pain you are experiencing can help narrow down whether it’s the disc or a muscle. A pulled-back muscle tends to be a dull, localized pain that usually worsens with movement and is accompanied by cramps or spasms.[4] Disc pain is sharper with discomfort that radiates through the back, hip, buttocks or down a leg and may be accompanied by numbness or tingling. Specific movements like sitting, bending or walking may aggravate it further.[5]
Identifying Muscle Strain
A sore back, pulled muscle, or strained back occurs when muscles are overstretched, overworked or torn due to sudden movements or excessive force. Symptoms include sudden localized pain, stiffness, tenderness and limited range of motion.[6] Muscle strains often result from lifting heavy objects, sudden twists, overuse, being overweight, or poor posture.[4] Rest, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate mild to moderate muscle strains. Seek medical attention if your pain worsens, you can’t walk or move your limbs, or the injury bleeds. [6]
How to Identify Spinal Disc Problems
Identifying disc-related problems involves recognizing symptoms and understanding different types of disc conditions. Symptoms often include localized or radiating back pain, numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness. Back pain may worsen if you sneeze, cough, sit, stand or walk.[5] Disc issues can range from herniated discs, bulging disks, arthritis and degenerative disk disease. Sciatica commonly occurs due to a herniated disk or compression of the spinal nerves.[2]
Diagnosing the Source of Your Back Pain
Seeking medical evaluation is vital for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, especially if your back pain is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by neurologic symptoms, numbness, tingling, or weakness.[7] Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam, review your medical history, and order diagnostic tests to pinpoint the source of back pain. These tests may include X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, or electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function and muscle activity.[7]
Pain Management for Muscle or Disc-Related Back Pain
If home treatments such as rest, stretching, applying heat or ice and OTC (over-the-counter) pain relievers are not providing relief, you may be a candidate for pain management. Effective pain management can relieve persistent back pain without surgery, whether your back pain is due to muscle strain or disc problems. Depending on the cause of your pain, your pain specialist may prescribe one or more of the following non-surgical treatments:
- OTC medications
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
- Infusion pumps
- Spinal cord stimulator [8]
- Radiofrequency neurotomy [9]
Once the underlying cause is identified, your healthcare professional can implement a personalized treatment strategy to help you regain mobility, alleviate discomfort, and improve your overall quality of life. Pain management specialists provide a comprehensive approach to pain relief for persistent or chronic back pain. If your back pain prevents you from enjoying life, consult a pain specialist doctor to help manage your discomfort and get you back to a healthy, fulfilled life.
Resources:
- Low back pain. World Health Organization [Internet]. June 19, 2023. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain#
- Snyder K. Not all low back pain is the same. Mayo Clinic Health System [Internet]. February 18, 2022. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/not-all-low-back-pain-is-the-same
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Back pain: Symptom causes. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. September 17, 2022. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/back-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050878#
- Cleveland Clinic medical professionals. Back strains and sprains. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10265-back-strains-and-sprains
- Herniated Disc Disorders – What are Herniated Disc Disorders? Penn Medicine [Internet]. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/herniated-disc-disorders
- Pietrangelo A. Muscle strains: Symptoms, causes, and prevention. Healthline [Internet]. April 20, 2023. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/strains#symptoms
- Zalatimo O. Low Back Pain. American Association of Neurological Surgeons [Internet]. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Pain
- Sivanesan E. Spinal cord stimulator. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. March 22, 2023. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/treating-pain-with-spinal-cord-stimulators
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Radiofrequency neurotomy. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. February 25, 2022. Accessed February 29, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiofrequency-neurotomy/about/pac-20394931
