Difference between lumbar disc and muscle cramp: diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and prevention

The answer to the difference between lumbar disc and muscle cramp is that the lumbar disc is caused by damage to the intervertebral disc and pressure on the sciatic nerve, and it causes shooting pain, numbness or tingling in the leg. Muscle cramp is the result of a sudden contraction or spasm of the lumbar muscle, the pain of which is localized and short-term, and usually without neurological complications. Back pain is one of the most common health problems in adults, and almost everyone experiences it at least once in their lifetime. experiences.

But not all back pains are the same. Lumbar disc and muscle spasm are two common causes of back pain, each of which has different origins, symptoms and treatment methods.

The key to preventing complications is the correct diagnosis between the two, choosing the right treatment by Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad and quickly returning to daily life. Lumbar disc or muscle spasm? Why correct diagnosis is important

The importance of correct diagnosis of the difference between lumbar disc and muscle cramp for treatment and prevention Correct diagnosis between disc and muscle cramp is the key to choosing the right treatment, reducing complications and preventing chronic pain.

What are the complications of mistaking a cramp for a disc?

Initiating the wrong treatment and prolonging pain
Increasing the risk of nerve damage in the disc
Dissatisfaction and reduced quality of life

causes And risk factors: Why do we get back pain?

Disc herniation and its structural causes

Sudden lifting of heavy objects
Long sitting and poor body posture
Aging and loss of disc fluid
Direct blow to the back
Weakness of abdominal and back muscles

Muscle cramps and functional factors

Prolonged immobility or sudden intense activity
Dehydration and electrolyte disorders
Stress and mental tension
Improper body position while working or sleeping

The role of age, occupation and Lifestyle in back pain

Employees and drivers: muscle cramps due to prolonged sitting
Athletes and workers: high risk of disc herniation due to heavy or sudden movements
Increasing age: decreased disc fluid and increased likelihood of protrusion

Regarding nervous back pain More Read.

Symptoms and signs: how to know where the problem is? The difference between lumbar disc and muscle spasm

symptoms of lumbar disc

shooting pain from lower back to leg
tingling, numbness or muscle weakness
severe pain when sitting, bending or standing up
sometimes loss of control of movements and balance

symptoms of muscle spasm

localized pain and muscle stiffness
possible spasm Touch
Pain on touch or movement
Usually without neurological symptoms

Similarities and differences in symptoms

Both cause back pain, but the location, intensity and distribution of pain determine the cause.

What Are tests necessary to distinguish between lumbar disc and muscle cramp?

Physical examination and neurological tests
Examination of spinal flexibility, muscle strength and nerve reactions
MRI, radiology and nerve conduction test
MRI: the best way to diagnose a herniated disc
Simple radiology: examination of the structure of the vertebrae
EMG: examination of nerve function

Differential diagnosis Back pain and muscle spasms according to the type of pain and pain location

Stabbing pain and nerve symptoms → possibility of disc
local and short-term pain → muscle spasms

Treatments and recovery methods: from medicine to rehabilitation

From the methods of back pain treatment without surgery Such cases can be mentioned:

scientific treatment of lumbar disc

anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant drugs
specialized physiotherapy and strengthening exercises
spine stretching and manual therapy
epidural injection or surgery in severe cases

with all these mentioned methods and other new methods in pain clinic lumbar disc treatment without surgery is possible.

muscle cramp treatment

gentle massage and warm compresses
antispasmodics and short-term rest
anti-inflammatory topical creams Pain
Light stretching and warm-up before activity

Home remedies

Hot or cold compress
Gentle massage with natural oils
Do daily stretching
Short rest and avoid From prolonged immobility

Prevention and a healthy lifestyle to protect the lower back

Exercise and corrective exercises

Back and abdominal strengthening exercises, yoga and pilates

Position Correct body when working and sleeping

Ergonomic chair and desk
How to sit and sleep properly
Lifting heavy objects with correct technique

Nutrition and lifestyle for back health

Consumption of sufficient water and minerals (potassium and magnesium)
Weight reduction and maintaining fitness
Reducing stress and tension Mental

Recovery time and possible complications

Recovery process of muscle cramps: a few days to a week, usually without complications
Recovery process of lumbar disc: a few weeks to a few months, with the possibility of becoming chronic in case of incomplete treatment
Key points for Prevent recurrence of pain: regular exercise, proper posture, healthy lifestyle, and avoiding sudden movements

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my back pain is disc or muscle spasm?

If the shooting pain is accompanied by tingling, numbness or muscle weakness → there is a high possibility of a lumbar disc. If the pain is localized, stiff and short-term and becomes more intense with touch or movement of the muscle → it is a muscle cramp.

What is the difference between lumbar disc pain and muscle pain?

Disc pain is diffuse and shooting, may be transferred to the foot or fingers and have neurological symptoms. Muscle pain is superficial, localized and short-term and usually does not have neurological symptoms.

Does the back pain radiate to the leg or is it localized?

The disc usually transmits pain from the lower back to the hips, legs, or toes because the sciatic nerve root is involved.

Can back spasms cause leg numbness like a disc?

No, muscle cramps usually only cause local pain and stiffness and do not cause neurological symptoms.

How is lumbar disc diagnosed with muscle spasm?

Disc disc can be differentiated from muscle spasm with MRI and examination of neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness and muscle weakness.

What are the right exercises to prevent disc and muscle cramps?

Back and abdomen strengthening exercises, stretching, yoga and pilates are the best methods for prevention.

How long does it take for a lumbar disc to heal?

Depending on the severity of the injury, it takes a few weeks to a few months. Some cases require long rehabilitation.

Are anti-inflammatory drugs enough?

For short-term muscle spasms, they are usually enough, but in the lumbar disc, there is often a need for physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and in severe cases, surgery.

Are hot or cold compresses suitable for all types of back pain? Prev Back pain sign of cancer? Warning signs, diagnosis and effective treatments Next Where does nerve pain go in the body and how can nerve pain be diagnosed and treated?Next

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021-88662604
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021-88662603
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0921-2168168
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0935-4331313
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Tehran, Jordan, after Mirdamad Qobadian West Street, No. 9, 1st floor, Dard Rad Clinic
Tehran office address
Alborz, Karaj, Golshahr St. 45 meters, Arghvan West, Maryam Hospital, Dard Clinic
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About the doctor

Dr. Mohammad Hossein Delshad, a super-specialist fellowship in pain control, has years of experience in the field of controlling severe back and spine pain. The process of pain control, procedures and nerve blocks are performed with ultrasound guidance in the operating room using a closed surgery method. In the pain clinic, they treat patients who are unable to perform open surgery for any reason, such as those who have underlying diseases, heart problems, or have undergone surgeries in the past.

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