How can you tell the difference between a pulled muscle and a torn muscle???

Question

I was lifting weights yesterday and now today on my back underneath my left shoulder blade is killing me, Im thinking pulled muscle but it hurts more than a pulled muscle im a lil confused, theres almost a burning sensation when I move it certain ways. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Whether you say you've pulled a muscle or torn it, the injury is basically the same, says Dr. Alan Webb, a Medford orthopedist.

Muscle injuries shouldn't be confused with the soreness and stiffness that occur after serious exercise. This sensation is caused by the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscle fibers, and it typically passes within a few hours or a day at most. If you're hurting for several days, you have an injury.

Physical damage to the muscle fibers causes the pain we associate with pulled or torn muscles. The fibers stretch, but they have their limit. When we exceed the limit, we may feel a sharp pain that tells us we've separated some of the fibers.

Webb says a completely torn muscle is rare, and it typically takes a lot more force than recreational athletes can muster to really tear a muscle.

The healing time for a muscle injury depends on the extent of the damage and other factors such as age and general health

Answer 2

To answer your question, the degree of pain tells you that difference. However, if you pulled a muscle, you know exactly when and where it happened, because it shows itself immediately. Likely, you need a chiropractic adjustment. Back muscles are holding onto a part of the spine that is out of alignment.
Ice is an excellent topical pain reliever. Lay down with an ice pack there for 15 minutes when you can.

Answer 3

If it is too the point of unbearable I would probably suggest it as a torn muscle. However, if it just painful and pain reliever helps then it may be muscle strain. If your truly concerned no one here can tell with out looking at it so your best off seeing a doctor they know what to look for!

Answer 4

PAIN! You'll know the difference for sure!!!!!!!!!!