Muscle or Disc? How to Determine the Source of Your Back Pain

At some point, most people will experience back pain, which can range from a mild, persistent ache to severe discomfort that disrupts daily life. Almost 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. In India, low back pain impacts 48% of the population, with women being more commonly affected. Finding the cause of your back pain is essential for proper treatment. Whether the pain is due to a muscle strain or a disc issue in your spine, identifying the source is key. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how to determine whether your back pain is caused by muscle strain or a disc problem, along with symptoms, diagnosis tips, and treatment options to help you manage your pain effectively. It is important to take back pain seriously as it could be caused by a number of orthopaedic problems. An early diagnosis allows patients to treat their problems without the need for surgical intervention. Let’s review the two major causes of back pain in people. Based on the underlying cause, the pain and its treatment can change drastically.

Muscle Strain: A Common Cause of Back Pain

One of the most frequent reasons for back pain is muscle strain. This type of pain occurs when the muscles and tendons that support your spine are overstretched or torn. Muscle strains often happen suddenly due to lifting heavy objects without proper technique, making a sudden movement, or even sitting or standing with poor posture for long periods.

The pain from a muscle strain is usually felt as a dull, aching sensation that is localised to the lower back. It can be quite uncomfortable, but it often improves with rest. You might also notice that the pain gets worse when you move, especially if you bend or twist your body. Swelling and muscle spasms in the affected area can also occur, making it difficult to move freely. Muscle strain back pain usually happen from overexertion or lifting things the wrong way, and it tends to get worse with movement.

This type of pain is more common as you age because without an active lifestyle and regular exercising, the elasticity and strength of muscles diminish over time, making it easier to strain your muscles. This type of injury can be common for both men and women as it can be caused by a simple action like stretching to reach something or lifting something heavy.

Treatment for muscle strain typically involves rest, applying ice to reduce swelling, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Stretching and strengthening exercises can support recovery and help prevent future strains. However, it’s important not to rush back into activities too soon, as this could worsen the injury.

What Is a Disc Herniation?

A disc herniation, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is another common cause of back pain. Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae, and between each vertebra is a disc that acts as a cushion. These discs are made of a tough outer layer and a soft, gel-like center. When the outer layer of a disc becomes weak or damaged, the inner material can push out and press on nearby nerves.

Disc herniation symptoms can be quite different from those of a muscle strain. 

• Sharp and Intense Pain in the Lower Back: Unlike the dull ache of a muscle strain, pain from a herniated disc is usually sharp and intense. This pain is often felt deeply in the lower back and can be sudden and severe.
   
• Leg Pain Caused by a Herniated Disc (Sciatica): A key indicator of a herniated disc is sciatica, where the pain starts in the lower back and radiates through the buttock, extending down to the leg. This occurs when the herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down to the feet.
   
• Numbness in the Leg or Foot: The pressure on nerves caused by a herniated disc can result in numbness in the leg or foot. This numbness may be consistent or fluctuate depending on your movements and posture.
   
• Tingling Sensations in the Leg or Foot: Along with numbness, you might experience tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation in the leg or foot. This is another sign that the nerves are being affected by the herniated disc.
   
• Weakness in the Leg or Foot: The nerve compression can also lead to weakness in the muscles of the leg or foot. This can make it challenging to lift your foot, walk, or carry out everyday activities.
   
• Difficulty Walking or Standing for Long Periods: Because of the pain, numbness, and weakness, you might find it hard to walk or stand for extended periods. These symptoms can make daily activities, like standing in line or going for a walk, challenging and uncomfortable.

Disc herniation can occur gradually as part of the ageing process, or it can happen suddenly due to an injury. Activities that involve heavy lifting, twisting, or bending can increase the risk of a disc herniation. People who are overweight or have a sedentary lifestyle are also at higher risk. Disc herniation is also a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention to be treated. Without appropriate treatment, a herniated disc can increase your pain and discomfort while slowly increasing the risk for further spinal injury.

Treatment for a herniated disc depends on how severe the symptoms are. In mild cases, rest, physical therapy, and pain relievers may be sufficient. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the affected nerve. If these treatments do not provide relief, more advanced options such as injections or surgery may be considered. Surgery is usually a last resort and is only recommended if conservative treatments fail to relieve the pain or if there is significant nerve damage.

How to Tell the Difference Between Muscle and Disc Pain

Determining whether your back pain is due to a muscle strain or a disc herniation is important for choosing the right treatment. While both conditions can cause discomfort in the lower back, there are some key differences in the symptoms.

Muscle strain pain is generally localised to the lower back and is often described as a dull, aching sensation. It tends to get worse with movement and improves with rest. You might also feel tightness or stiffness in the affected area, making it difficult to move or bend.

In contrast, pain from a herniated disc is usually more severe and can radiate to other parts of the body, such as the legs. The pain is often sharp and shooting, and it might be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot. These symptoms are caused by the herniated disc pressing on a nerve, which can affect the nerve's ability to function properly.

If you are experiencing back pain that radiates down your leg or is accompanied by numbness or weakness, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate a herniated disc or another serious condition that requires prompt treatment.

Why an Accurate Diagnosis Is Important

Back pain causes can range from muscle strains to disc problems, making an accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment. While muscle strains can often be managed with simple home remedies, a herniated disc may require more intensive treatment. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of your pain.

During the examination, your doctor will likely ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent activities that might have contributed to your pain. They may also perform a physical examination to assess your range of motion, strength, and reflexes. If a herniated disc is suspected, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be ordered to get a closer look at your spine and identify any abnormalities. A lower back pain diagnosis involves physical exams and imaging tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the discomfort.

An accurate diagnosis not only helps in choosing the right treatment but also prevents further injury and complications.

Treatment Options for Back Pain

Back pain treatment options differ depending on the underlying cause. 

• The primary goal for muscle strains is to reduce pain and inflammation while allowing the muscles to heal. This typically involves resting the affected area, applying ice or heat, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can also help prevent future injuries.
   
• The treatment options for a herniated disc are more varied. In many cases, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief. Physical therapy targets exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, enhance flexibility, and relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
   
• If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, more advanced options such as epidural steroid injections or surgery may be considered. Injections can help reduce inflammation and pain around the affected nerve, while surgery may be necessary to remove or repair the damaged disc.

Conclusion

Back pain can be frustrating and limiting, but figuring out the cause is the first step to feeling better. Whether your pain is due to a muscle strain or a disc herniation, getting an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. ​​If you're dealing with back pain and need expert care, the best orthopaedic doctors in Delhi are available at MASSH, the best orthopaedic hospital in Delhi. Our specialists provide thorough evaluations and recommend the most effective treatments to get you back to your normal activities. For more information about orthopaedic treatment at MASSH, check out our website or visit us today to consult directly with our specialists.