Pinched Nerve vs. Strained Muscle: How to Tell the Difference

Pain in your neck, back, or limbs can be frustrating and even alarming. The pain interferes with exercise, daily activity, and even sleep. 

Your pain is even more frustrating when you're unsure what's causing it. Two of the most common culprits — pinched nerves and muscle strains — can feel similar but have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing the difference is key to getting the proper care and finding relief.

Here at BioHealth Pain Management, Dr. Rostam Khoshar specializes in pain management, helping patients recover from nerve injuries, spinal conditions, and muscle-related pain. If you're struggling with persistent discomfort, understanding what’s behind your pain can be the first step toward feeling better.

All about pinched nerves

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues—such as bones, muscles, or cartilage—compress a nerve, disrupting its function. This often happens in the spine, where bulging or herniated discs press on nearby nerves. The affected area may experience pain, numbness, tingling, or even weakness.

For example, if a nerve in your lower back is pinched, you might experience shooting pain down your leg (sciatica). The pain could radiate to your shoulders or arms if the issue is in your neck. Pinched nerve pain often worsens with certain movements or prolonged positions, making everyday activities uncomfortable.

Muscle strain symptoms

A muscle strain is quite different from a pinched nerve; it’s an injury to the muscle fibers. It often occurs due to overuse, sudden movements, or lifting something too heavy. Strained muscles are common in the lower back, neck, shoulders, and legs.

Unlike nerve pain, muscle strain pain tends to feel sore or achy rather than sharp or burning. You might notice stiffness, swelling, or tenderness in the affected area. The good news? Muscle strains typically improve with rest, ice, and gentle movement.

How to tell the difference

While both a pinched nerve and muscle strain cause discomfort, they present slightly differently to give you clues as to what’s behind the pain. Consider:

Pain pattern

A pinched nerve often sends pain along the nerve’s path, while muscle strains cause localized pain. 

Tingling and numbness

If you feel tingling, burning, or numbness, it's more likely nerve-related.

Weakness

Nerve compression can cause muscle weakness, whereas a muscle strain usually doesn’t. 

Response to rest

Muscle strains tend to improve with rest and ice, while pinched nerves may require additional treatment.

When to see a specialist

If your pain lingers, worsens, or causes numbness or weakness, you should make an appointment at our office. Left untreated, a pinched nerve can lead to long-term nerve damage, while a severe muscle strain may require more than home remedies to heal properly.

Dr. Khoshar offers advanced pain management solutions to help you regain comfort and mobility. If pain interferes with your daily life, don’t wait — reach out today for expert care customized to your needs.

Call one of the BioHealth Pain Management locations to make an appointment. Let us help you uncover the cause of your pain and get the appropriate treatment.