whats the difference between muscle spasm and pinched nerve?

Question

Here's why Im asking this question.I went to the hospital a week ago cuz I was having lower back pain and my left leg is feeling numb and weak.The doctor assumed I had a pinched nerve cuz of the symptoms I told her.She didnt give me no x-ray,mri,or catscan.
A week later(which is today) I went to the hospital told them my symptoms(had a different doctor) and he sent me to the x-ray room.when my results came back he said that I had muscle spasms,not a pinched nerve.
What I wanna know is why is my left leg feeling weak and numb if I have back spasms.My lower back has been killing me.another thing why would one doctor say i have a pinched nerve but another one says its a muscle spasm.
Im confused,can somebody please help me out here

Answer 1

OK first both are similar! We have nerves, usually branching off from the Spine, through the Vertebra and out to various parts of the body. However the nerves travel around: above, below muscles. Pinched nerve is just that a nerve that is being caught but as to the reason?
Mine is due to a prolapsed disc in my spine, where the disc has collapsed and is resting on the 'Nerve Roots' two nerves coming from the Spine, both nerves running to my legs. Moreover due to the collapsing some disc material entering the spinal space and I am at risk of loosing my bowel and bladder function. Glad to report I do not have Sciatica! What happens is the disc material encroaches on to the nerve roots and I literally loose everything below the waist, the legs crumble and the pain is extreme. Last time I passed out for 3 hours, where I fell. I recall Praying not to loose the bowel and bladder functions and that was it.
So that is the typical Disc pinch nerve. However if for example you are into exercise, you might pull, tear or cause any muscle to inflame, or if you like swell. At that point the inflammation can cause a pinched nerve! Its a bit like putting your fingers into a Bowling Ball. First time no problem. As the game keeps going on, good chance your fingers will swell and you notice you are having trouble trying to get the fingers into the bowling ball, let alone leaving go of the bowling ball, so you loose the accuracy.
Now a Doc should know just by examining you if you have a pinched nerve, disc problem or muscle spasm. Usually they get you to lay on the couch and do various tests involving your legs. Raise them up, apply pressure, lower them down, apply pressure and so on. I went to PT due to 'pain somehwre between my waist and knees?' That was as close as I could get it. The PT did the exam and next I know I am off to a Nuerologist, due to lack of reflex in my right leg and foot. The PT did tests with a hammer and pin and I had to say if it was the hammer dull pain or pin sharp pain? I failed!
All the above tests are normal tests for people with back pain and weakness. I assume the Doc you saw did all these tests? If not you need to see a PT and ask for these specific tests.

Answer 2

Nerve Spasms

Answer 3

You cannot tell a pinched nerve from an x-ray. Muscle spasm may be due to a strain or a reaction to a pinched nerve. A good chiropractor or orthopedist should be able to ascertain the status of a pinched nerve from a strained muscle by performing an examination. You should seek the advice of a doctor who can properly diagnose your condition.

Answer 4

Radiculopathy is radiating pain (down a leg or arm)
Radiculopathy is usually caused by a 'pinched nerve' in the spinal column. A 'slipped' (bulging) disc or 'herniated' (ruptured) disc can both cause radiculopathy. A bulging disc can be treated with thearapy and anti-immflamitory drugs. A herniated or ruptured disc is treated surgically. A muscle spasm will go away in a few days of rest and muscle relaxors, but usually not cause radiculopathy. See a specialist...orthopeadic surgeon.

Answer 5

You should check this sciatica natural treatment http://cure-sciatica.info
Normally, I would not answer a question like this as my expertise is generally in medication but I had severe sciatica while I was pregnant with my 3rd child (after having had twins) and I had sciatica so bad that I was finding it difficult to walk. I tried massage therapy and physical therapy and could not take medication
I went to the chiropractor and the pain was instantly relieved. My hips and lower back were out of alignment because I had carried twins the year before. On occasion a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) can also work but they usually only work on one joint at a time - the chiropractor will do your whole back which works faster. Anyone who does not believe in chiropractors will tell you they are quacks - don't listen.
I don't necessarily believe that chiropractors can cure things like diabetes but they can definitely relieve some types of back pain especially if a pinched nerve is involved which is usually the cause of sciatica. Try a reputable chiropractor ASAP!

Answer 6

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