Indication of a strained back muscle typically includes a dull, aching pain. This discomfort is usually centered in the back and tends to worsen if you don't rest the affected area. In contrast, a herniated disc causes a much sharper pain, which might radiate from the back to the shoulders or legs, depending on the position of the disc.
Pulled Back Muscle:
- Pain Description: Usually dull and aching.
- Location: The pain is localized in the back.
- Aggravation: Gets worse with movement or if you don't rest the affected area.
- Additional Symptoms: Possible muscle spasms, stiffness, or difficulty moving in certain directions.
Slipped (Herniated) Disc:
- Pain Description: More likely to be sharp and intense.
- Radiation: Can radiate through the back into other areas such as the shoulders, arms, buttocks, or legs, depending on the location of the herniated disc.
- Additional Symptoms: May include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs, potential difficulty in controlling bladder or bowel functions in severe cases (cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention).
If you suspect either condition, come in right away for a professional medical evaluation. Persistent or severe symptoms, particularly those associated with a slipped disc, should be carefully evaluated to determine an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.