Ouch, it hurts. Your back. Suddenly.
But how can you determine the CAUSE of the ouch? is it a pinched nerve or pulled muscle? Sciatica or piriformis syndrome? herniated disc or stress? and How do I make it go away?
Finding the cause of your back pain without a physician’s examination is difficult. And many times a physical examination will NOT give you the answer, or give you the wrong one.
However, this guide will reveal 2 simple ways determine if your back pain is caused by a pinched nerve or a pulled muscle. And of course – what to do about each.
Page Contents
Pinched Nerve or Pulled Muscle?
Clue #1
Pulled muscle is usually described as a dull aching pain. Injured muscles can cause a surprising amount of pain and can become inflamed and spasmed, causing back pain and significant stiffness.
Pinched nerve feels like sharp-shooting pain and may be accompanied with numbness and tingling.
Clue #2
Pulled muscle is usually localized in one area. The area should feel tender when touched and when you try to use the muscle, you feel immediate pain.
Pinched nerve pain usually radiates down the length of the leg, so you feel back pain along with pain in one or both your legs.
How to Heal a Pulled Muscle in Your Back
A muscle strain, also called a pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle is over stretched or over worked, and small tears occur within the muscle.
A pulled muscle can take up to 6 weeks to heal completely. Even though it’s the most common cause of back pain, there is not much you can do about it except for icing, gentle stretching and massaging and or taking pain relievers (no more than a few days!).
How to Heal a Pinched Nerve in Your Back
There are a few possible causes for a pinched nerve (slipped disc, herniated disc, ruptured disc, degenerative disc disease and piriformis syndrome).
But no matter the cause, there are 2 simple steps you have to take to NATURALLY cure your pinched nerve.
Do not fool yourself to think that it will go away or heal on its own and please do not start relying on dangerous pain medication to keep your sanity.
Check out my guide about the 2-step pinched nerve healing plan and take action now, before it gets worse (and the pinched nerve gets on your nerves…)
So, what did you find? A pinched nerve or a pulled muscle?
To your health and happiness,
Meital
I have had recurring pain in my lower back and down the front of of my leg for 2 week's straight. ice then heat and major pain pills. nothing working but staying off of it.any ideas for relief? Mri shows nothing says
Mri shows nothing. Can’t put weight on leg.taking pain pills. Don’t help much.
Meital James says
It sounds like Sciatica. Here’s what to do:
http://pain-in-lower-back.com/low-back-sciatica-home-treatment/
jessie says
pain from center of spine forward tward frount along rib cage from breast line to hip contant with sharp pain when moving woke up with this over a week ago any sugestions
Meital James says
Jessie,
It could be anything really…even a heniated disc, but I’m not a doctor and you should go see one to get diagnosed.
Susan George says
If a person is often getting a muscle pull is there a major health problem ?
Meital James says
I would think that you may have some Magnesium deficiency. Check it out and try Magnesium oil daily.
Barbara says
Sitting, standing, laying down, 24/7 I have a burning, very sharp pain that is constant and intensifies every minute or so. It’s located on my left upper back. It is debilitating. I’ve had muscle spasms and this is nothing like it. I’ve taken everything to no avail. My pcp said to see a physical therapist. Not sure about that. Any input?
Meital James says
It could be any number of things.. it definitely could be a pinched nerve as well. I would start with a heating pad and see if it helps.
Marjorie says
I’ve recently started weightlifting and may have pinched a nerve but I’m only numb in my outer thigh and I don’t have any back pain. I do have some tingling when I walk a lot but It’s been numb for a week already; is this actually a pinched nerve?
Meital James says
There’s no way to know for sure, but it can be. Give it a few more days, I’m sure it will go away on its own.
Chris says
Hi lifting my arm above my head creates intense pain my back between my shoulder blade and spine, and my hand gets tingles like it’s waking up, and it tingles all the way from fingers to spot in back. Can you help? Do I need a doc?
Meital James says
It sounds like a pinched nerve, but of course, I can’t say for sure. It wouldn’t hurt to see a doctor, or you can wait a few more days to see if it’s improving first. But there is no reason to be stressed about it.
Chris says
Thanks for your help with this. I’ll try not to stress
Rudy says
I have a lower back pain just slightly to the right of my back. It happened as I was bending and twisting. I put a heating pad on a couple of times. Used cold hot patches. Hurts when I stand or walk. Its been 3 days. Any diagnosis?
Meital James says
Can’t really diagnose it since I’m not a doctor, but it sounds like a muscle strain. I would keep using an infrared heating pad and try to do some gentle stretches as well. It will go away on its own soon.