That sharp, nagging pain between your shoulder blades strikes again. You have tried rest, heat, and stretching, but the pain still won’t go away. When back pain continues for days or weeks, it can raise serious questions- Why does my back hurt? Could it be a simple muscle pull or something serious, like a herniated (slipped) disc that might even require surgery?
It is completely understandable to feel anxious and frustrated when you don’t know the cause of your back pain. That’s why, in this guide, we will help you understand the difference between a “herniated disc vs. muscle strain,” common causes to watch out for, and how physiotherapy treatment can help you find lasting back pain relief.
Also Read: Click here to learn the difference between acute vs. chronic pain.
What Does a Strained Muscle Feel Like?
A muscle strain or a pulled muscle is among the most common causes of upper back pain. This condition occurs when the muscle fibres have been overstretched or torn. The pain usually stays localized, and you can feel it right where the injury is, rather than spreading down the leg or into the arm.
Common Causes of a Pulled (Strained) Muscle in the Back
- Poor Posture: Holding your head forward for long periods puts constant, excessive pressure on the neck and upper back muscles, eventually fatiguing and overloading them.
- Sudden or Wrong Movements: Quick, unexpected twists or jerks force muscle fibres to stretch beyond their normal capacity, resulting in a tear or strain.
- Overuse: Performing repetitive movements (common in certain sports or jobs) without adequate rest causes muscles to become fatigued, leading to inflammation and strain.
- Lifting Incorrectly: This typically occurs during physical activity or when lifting weights at the gym. Lack of warm-up while lifting shifts the entire burden to the smaller, weaker back muscles, making them susceptible to immediate injury.
Signs of a Pulled Back Muscle:
- A localized, dull, or aching pain that stays in one specific spot.
- Pain that feels worse with movement, deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
- Tenderness or soreness when you press directly on the area of the muscle.
- Noticeable stiffness or a reduced range of motion.
- Muscle spasms or knots.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like in the Back?
A herniated disc, also known as a thoracic spine, occurs when the soft, gel-like centre of one of the spinal discs slips out of place. This can occur in any part of the spine, including the neck, upper back, or lower back. The condition can become more serious if it presses on a nearby nerve root. That’s why early intervention through physiotherapy for a herniated disc is important to relieve pressure.
Common Causes of a Herniated Disc
- Ageing: Age-related wear and tear is the common cause of a herniated disc. As discs lose essential moisture and elasticity over time, the outer wall becomes weak and prone to tearing. As a result, the inner material can bulge or leak out.
- Injury or Trauma: A sudden, intense force puts extreme pressure through the spine, which can forcefully rupture the tough outer ring of the disc.
- Sudden Strain: Although the lower back spine is generally stable, a high-impact movement, such as heavy lifting or a forceful twist, can cause a pre-existing weak spot in the disc to extend its breaking point.
First Signs of a Herniated Disc
- Sharp, burning, or electric shock-type pain.
- Pain that travels to the rib cage, into the chest, or down one arm.
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, or even the chest/abdominal area.
- Pain that often feels worse when sitting or lying in certain positions.
Herniated Disc vs. Muscle Strain: When Should You Worry About Your Back Pain
While physiotherapy for upper back pain can help relieve discomfort and restore mobility, prevention is always better than a cure. Recognizing the red flags early can help you seek the right care before the problem worsens. So, as soon as you experience the following problems, see a professional physiotherapist in Winnipeg.
- Extreme pain that persists after a few days of rest and gentle stretching.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, chest, or legs.
- The pain spreads from your back into your chest or wraps around your side.
- Pain after a significant accident or traumatic injury.
- Feel unwell, have a fever, or experience unexplained weight loss along with the pain.
How Does Physiotherapy Treatment Help With Back Pain Problems?
Persistent back pain, whether caused by strained muscles or a herniated disc, can significantly impact your daily life. This is where physiotherapy for back pain plays an important role. Physiotherapists in Winnipeg use an evidence-based approach to identify the root problem and design a personalized plan to speed up muscle strain and herniated disc recovery. Here’s how physiotherapy for muscle strain and slipped disc offers:
Step 1: Provides an Accurate Diagnosis
The first step of a physiotherapy treatment is a thorough assessment. The process involves specific movement tests, nerve tension checks, and a physical evaluation to determine the correct problem and know the exact source of discomfort. Receiving this accurate diagnosis is the essential foundation for creating an effective treatment plan.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment for Your Specific Condition
Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, professional physiotherapists in Winnipeg tailor the plan to your confirmed injury. For example:
- Physiotherapy for Muscle Strains: The treatment focuses on techniques to quickly reduce pain and inflammation. This may include manual therapy and targeted massage, followed by a series of specific stretching and strengthening exercises for back pain. Ultimately, the goal is to heal the muscle fibres, restore function, and correct any underlying postural or movement imbalances.
Note: Here is a list of effective exercises for relieving lower back pain
- Physiotherapy for a Herniated Disc: The primary goal of treating a slipped disc is to reduce pressure on the affected nerve. Treatment usually focuses on gentle movement and exercises that strengthen the core muscles. Experts may also use stretching and posture correction to ease nerve irritation and improve flexibility.
Also Read: The Role of Physiotherapy for a Herniated Disc: Symptoms and Causes Explained
Step 3: Prevention of Future Pain
The final and most critical phase of physiotherapy treatment focuses on long-term prevention and maintenance. This step goes beyond just relieving back pain symptoms; it works on the primary cause of the problem. Professional Winnipeg physiotherapists guide you on how to improve posture, suggest an ergonomic setup for your home or work environment, and recommend a personalized exercise plan for a strong spine.
Conclusion
Back pain can be a muscle issue or a disc issue. Understanding the accurate problem is the first step toward proper recovery. While mild strains often heal with rest and guided exercises, persistent or radiating pain should never be ignored. However, since the symptoms can often be confusing, a professional diagnosis is important. Physiotherapy can help identify the root cause, relieve discomfort, and prevent future problems.
Don’t let back pain continue to control your life and limit your activity. The expert team at Bridgwater Physiotherapy is here to provide a clear diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to get you moving pain-free. Book your appointment with us today!
