Pinched Nerve or Muscle Strain? How to Tell
Back or neck pain can feel the same at first, whether it’s coming from a simple muscle strain or an irritated (“pinched”) nerve. But the right treatment depends on what’s actually causing the problem. Here’s how you can start to tell the difference.
What a Muscle Strain Usually Feels Like
A muscle strain typically happens after overuse, heavy lifting, or an awkward movement. The pain often feels:
- Sore, tight, or achy
- Worse with certain movements
- More localized (in one area, like the low back or neck)
- Better with rest over a few days
You may also notice stiffness in the morning or discomfort when you sit too long.
What a Pinched Nerve Usually Feels Like
A pinched nerve happens when something compresses or irritates a nerve, often from a bulging disc, arthritis, or spinal narrowing. Nerve pain tends to be sharper and can travel.
Common signs include:
- Radiating pain (down your arm or leg)
- Tingling or numbness
- Burning or electric shock sensations
- Weakness (dropping things, foot “dragging,” grip loss)
In the low back, this can feel like sciatica. In the neck, it may shoot into your shoulder, arm, or hand.
Quick Self-Check Questions
Ask yourself:
- Does the pain stay in one spot, or travel?
- Are you noticing numbness, tingling, or weakness?
- Does coughing/sneezing make it worse (common with nerve irritation)?
What You Should Do Next
Start with smart basics:
- Avoid heavy lifting and painful twisting for a few days
- Use heat or ice based on what feels better
- Take short walks to keep things moving
But don’t ignore red flags. If you have progressive weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control, or severe worsening pain, get evaluated quickly.
If symptoms persist longer than a week or two, a spine specialist can help pinpoint the cause and recommend the right plan—whether that’s therapy, injections, or, in some cases, surgery.
Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.
