Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hello,I have lower back pain x 1 week. PCP prescribed muscle relaxant, antiinflammatory. Bedrest. First few days unable to walk without pain. Currently walking with minimal pain. However, lower back sore to touch. Can now bend a little further and twist. Couldnt do that at first. What is the difference between herniated disc and muscle strain/tear?
[|AI|]  Hi, thanks for posting your concern in the Chat Doctor. Muscle sprain and herniated disc are completely different problems. Herniated disc is a vertebral problem in which the soft central substance (disc) between the vertebral body, which acts as shock absorber and also prevents friction, herniates out through a tear in annulus fibrosis. On the other hand muscle sprain in simple injury to the muscle fibers. MRI of the spine can well illustrate a herniated disc. Although the local symptoms are similar, disc herniation may produce articular pain, numbness, tingling in the supplied dermatome which is absent in muscle injury. Surgical management is often required for back pain due to herniated disc while in case of back muscle sprain it is usually managed conservatively. The initial treatment prescribed to you for your symptoms is appropriate. However, further examination and possibly imaging will be required after consulting an orthopedic surgeon to rule out a herniated disc. For any further questions please write back to us. Regards.