Muscle vs Nerve Back Pain. What’s What?
Six years ago people in the US spent $380 billion on spine pain. That’s a lot of cash. About 80% of people have back pain some time during their life. So if you get back pain, what do you need to know about it?
Back Pain with Leg Pain… or Just Back Pain?
Two big things to look at are what type of pain you’re having. Is the pain staying in your back or is it traveling down your leg? Most pain that goes down your leg tends to feel like it’s shooting. That’s likely nerve pain. Your pain can be starting at your back but you feel it down your leg. As your symptoms get better they might be more intense but closer to your back. That’s a good sign. You want your symptoms to move up towards your spine.
Pain at your back is often dull and achy. This is often from a muscle ache. Keep gently moving (like with some of these exercises) and use some heat if you need to. Wondering if it’s just a muscle ache or more? This can help.
Had pain for a while, not sure what’s going on, or need some help? Come check out Formation, where you’ll get the most thorough physical therapy care in RVA, and get you back to lifting as quickly as possible.
NOTE: This is a general wellness service and not intended to replace rehabilitation services. If you recently suffered an injury, please let your physical therapist know.
https://www.healthdata.org/news-release/low-back-and-neck-pain-tops-us-health-spending