Nerve pain and muscle pain are two of the most common causes of physical discomfort, yet it can be challenging to tell the difference. Both present similar symptoms, but without a proper diagnosis, treatment may not be as effective as you need.
At LiveWell Pain Management, interventional pain doctor Nora Taha, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating nerve and muscle pain. This article defines both conditions, explains how they differ, and makes recommendations for when to seek professional help.
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, is pain that occurs due to nerve damage or nerve malfunction. It’s often caused by a pinched nerve or an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes.
Common symptoms of nerve pain include:
Some people also experience allodynia, a type of intense pain that occurs after doing something that shouldn’t cause pain, such as putting on a piece of clothing or feeling cold air on your skin.
Muscle pain, also called myalgia, is a type of pain that occurs due to trauma, overuse, or illness, such as a cold or the flu. Muscle pain is a common side effect of working out or moving your body in unfamiliar ways. It typically improves with rest, ice, and activity changes.
Common symptoms of muscle pain include:
Muscle pain usually isn’t as serious as nerve pain, but if it continues for more than 48 hours, it’s important to identify the underlying cause.
Nerve and muscle pain vary in severity and affect everyone differently. However, there are certain factors that can help you tell them apart. These factors include:
Nerve pain and muscle pain cause different sensations or feelings. For example, nerve pain often causes sharp burning or shock-like pain, while muscle pain is often dull and achy. Nerve pain also tends to occur alongside other symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness.
Nerve pain is often a side effect of problems with the peripheral nerves, or the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. Because these nerves extend into your limbs, many people with nerve pain experience discomfort in their arms, legs, hands, or feet.
Muscle pain, on the other hand, is typically centralized near a specific muscle group. For example, after a weightlifting workout focused on your arms, you might experience soreness or stiffness in your biceps, triceps, and shoulders.
Nerve pain is typically caused by a chronic (long-term) condition, such as diabetic neuropathy or multiple sclerosis. In many cases, this pain isn’t curable, but it can be managed with medications, injections, and lifestyle changes.
Muscle pain tends to be caused by overuse or wear and tear. It may last for several days or even a week, but it typically improves once your body begins healing.
Regardless of what type of pain you’re experiencing, treatment is available and can help you move more comfortably. Let’s take a closer look at how nerve and muscle pain are typically managed.
Dr. Taha takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating nerve pain. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause, she may recommend prescription pain medication or nerve block injections.
If your pain is caused by an underlying medical condition, like diabetes, she’ll also coordinate care with your primary care doctor to prevent it from worsening.
Muscle pain is often easier to manage than nerve pain. Dr. Taha’s approach typically includes rest, over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. You may also benefit from alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or regenerative medicine.
Don’t wait to see a doctor if your pain lasts for more than 48 hours or continues to worsen. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for muscle and nerve pain. The sooner the source of your discomfort is identified, the sooner you can begin treatment. That means you can return to work and other daily activities more quickly, and you’re less likely to experience complications, like mobility issues.
Nerve and muscle pain can lead to ongoing back pain, hip pain, or shoulder pain, and keep you from work and other activities you enjoy. If you’re tired of trying to manage symptoms at home, interventional pain management can help.
To get started, request an appointment online, or call the nearest LiveWell Pain Management office in Elmwood Park, Englewood, or Paramus, New Jersey.
