Nerve Pain or Muscle Strain? How to Tell the Difference and Find Relief

Leg pain can come on suddenly or develop slowly over time. While it may seem like a pulled muscle at first, persistent discomfort, burning, or pain that radiates down the leg may be a sign of nerve involvement. Understanding the difference between nerve pain and muscle strain is the first step toward effective treatment.

At Silver Pain Centre in Toronto, we specialize in diagnosing complex pain conditions that impact mobility and quality of life. Many patients come to us unsure whether their symptoms are muscular or neurological. Here’s how to tell them apart—and what you can do to feel better.

How to Tell the Difference Between Nerve Pain and Muscle Strain

Muscle strain usually results from overstretching or overusing a muscle. It often presents as localized soreness, stiffness, or a dull ache that improves with rest and gentle stretching. Swelling or bruising may also occur after a muscle injury.

Nerve pain, on the other hand, tends to feel sharp, shooting, or electric. You may experience tingling, numbness, or a sensation of pins and needles. One common example is pain that radiates down the leg, which could be linked to irritation of the sciatic nerve, a condition known as sciatica. Unlike a muscle strain, nerve pain often worsens with prolonged sitting or certain movements like bending or twisting.

Common Signs of Sciatica and Nerve Irritation

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or inflamed, often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other lower back conditions. It typically causes one-sided leg pain that starts in the lower back or buttocks and travels down the leg. Some patients describe it as burning, searing, or numbing.

Another common complaint is throbbing leg pain at night, which may point to nerve involvement or poor circulation. If leg pain keeps you awake or worsens when you lie down, it’s worth seeking a medical evaluation to rule out sciatica or other nerve-related conditions.

What You Can Do for Relief at Home

There are several ways to manage early symptoms and find short-term relief. Applying ice during the first 48 hours of a muscle injury can help reduce inflammation, followed by heat to relax tight muscles. For nerve pain, gentle stretching of the lower back and hips may reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Many people also explore options like sciatica pain relief massage, which can help release tension in the glutes, piriformis muscle, and lower back. Massage should be performed by a trained provider familiar with nerve pain conditions to avoid further irritation. While massage may not resolve the underlying cause, it can be part of a broader pain management strategy.

When to Seek Medical Care

If your pain continues beyond a few days, interferes with daily activity, or causes numbness, weakness, or loss of balance, it’s time to seek professional help. At Silver Pain Centre, we use advanced diagnostic tools like ultrasound and fluoroscopy to locate the source of pain and create a customized treatment plan.

Get Expert Help for Nerve or Muscle Pain at Silver Pain Centre

When pain lingers or radiates, it’s not something to ignore. Whether you’re dealing with a suspected muscle strain or persistent nerve pain like sciatica, the right diagnosis is key to the right treatment, and that’s where Silver Pain Centre makes all the difference.

As Toronto’s leading multidisciplinary pain clinic, we offer:

• Collaborative Care: Your case is reviewed by a team of physicians, surgeons, and pain specialists who work together to accurately diagnose and treat your pain.
• Fast-Tracked Intake: Submit a self-referral and we’ll review your file within 72 hours; no doctor’s referral needed.
• OHIP-Covered Consultations: Your initial consultation is fully covered and available in person or virtually, depending on your location and comfort.
• Advanced Diagnostics: We use tools like ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and EMG testing to pinpoint the root cause of your pain, whether muscular or neurological.
• Customized Treatment Plans: From guided injections and physiotherapy to non-surgical nerve treatments, we create a plan tailored to your specific condition and goals.
• Convenience: Located in North York, our 20,000 sq. ft. clinic offers free parking and shorter wait times, so care is always within reach.

If your pain is affecting how you walk, sleep, or move through life, don’t wait. Let our team help you find answers and relief.

📍 Visit Us: 4646 Dufferin Street, Unit #9, Toronto, ON M3H 5S4
📞 Call Today: (416) 512-6407