Is it Muscle Pain or Nerve Pain?

Pain can often be difficult to pinpoint, especially when it comes to differentiating between muscle pain and nerve pain. While both types of pain can significantly impact your daily life, understanding the difference is crucial for finding the right treatment. At Manhattan Sports Therapy, we specialize in diagnosing and treating various pain conditions to help you get back to feeling your best. Here’s a guide to distinguishing muscle pain from nerve pain and an overview of the treatments we offer for both.

What Is Muscle Pain?

Muscle pain, or myalgia, typically arises from overuse, strain, or injury to the muscles. It can also result from poor posture, repetitive movements, or a lack of proper warm-up before exercise.

Key Characteristics of Muscle Pain:

• Location: Localized to a specific area, such as the back, shoulders, or legs.
• Sensation: Achy, dull, or tender to the touch.
• Onset: Often develops after physical activity or strain.
• Movement Impact: Pain may worsen when the affected muscle is used or stretched.

What Is Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, occurs when there is damage, irritation, or compression of the nerves. It can result from conditions like herniated discs, pinched nerves, or underlying health issues such as diabetes.

Key Characteristics of Nerve Pain:

• Location: Radiates along a nerve pathway, such as from the lower back to the legs (sciatica).
• Sensation: Sharp, shooting, burning, or tingling sensations.
• Onset: Can occur suddenly or persist chronically.
• Movement Impact: Pain may worsen with specific movements that compress the nerve.

How to Tell the Difference

When trying to distinguish muscle pain from nerve pain, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the pain localized or radiating? Muscle pain stays in one area, while nerve pain often radiates.
• Does it feel dull or sharp? Muscle pain tends to feel dull or achy, whereas nerve pain feels sharp or burning.
• Does the pain respond to rest? Muscle pain typically improves with rest, while nerve pain may persist regardless of activity level.

If you’re still unsure, a professional evaluation is the best way to determine the source of your pain.

Treatments for Muscle Pain at Manhattan Sports Therapy

At Manhattan Sports Therapy, we offer a variety of treatments to relieve muscle pain and promote healing:

1. Physical Therapy

Customized exercises and stretches improve muscle strength and flexibility, reducing pain and preventing future injuries.

2. Massage Therapy

Targeted massage helps alleviate muscle tension, improve blood flow, and accelerate recovery.

3. Sports Injury Rehabilitation

If your muscle pain is due to an injury, our sports rehab programs focus on restoring mobility and strength while reducing pain.

4. Trigger Point Injections

For chronic muscle pain, injections can relieve discomfort by targeting specific trigger points in the muscle.

Treatments for Nerve Pain at Manhattan Sports Therapy

For nerve pain, we use advanced techniques to reduce inflammation and address the root cause:

1. Spinal Decompression Therapy

This non-surgical treatment relieves pressure on compressed nerves, particularly for conditions like herniated discs or sciatica.

2. Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy uses electrical stimulation to interrupt nerve signals, reducing pain and improving mobility.

3. Chiropractic Care

Our chiropractors specialize in spinal adjustments to realign the vertebrae, relieving pressure on nerves.

4. Cold Laser Therapy

This innovative treatment reduces inflammation and promotes healing in damaged nerves.

Why Choose Manhattan Sports Therapy?

At Manhattan Sports Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating both muscle and nerve pain. Our experienced team uses cutting-edge technology and evidence-based treatments to create personalized plans for every patient. Whether your pain is due to an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, we’re here to help you regain your strength and mobility.

Don’t Let Pain Hold You Back

If you’re dealing with muscle or nerve pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact Manhattan Sports Therapy today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief. Let us help you get back to doing what you love!