Pain has a way of getting your attention fast. But figuring out where it’s coming from isn’t always so simple.
Nerve pain and muscle pain can feel similar at first, but they come from very different causes and they don’t respond to the same treatments.
“Knowing the difference can make a big impact on how you treat it — and how quickly you recover,” says Timothy Murphy, MD, an interventional pain medicine physician with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group.
From how it feels to how long it lasts, there are a few key ways to tell them apart.
Muscle pain: sore, stiff and usually easy to trace
Muscle pain (or myalgia) usually shows up after activity — maybe a long day of yard work, a new workout, or even a tough night’s sleep.
“It’s typically dull, achy and localized,” says Dr. Murphy. “You can often point right to where it hurts, and it gets worse when you move or press on that area.”
The good news: uncomplicated muscle soreness usually improves within a few days to a week with rest, heat or ice, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
> Related: Don’t Ignore Back Pain. Do These 6 Exercises Instead
Nerve pain: sharp, burning or shooting — and not always where you expect it
Nerve pain, on the other hand, feels different.
“Patients often describe it as burning, tingling, shooting or even electric,” says Dr. Murphy. “And it might travel — you could feel it in your leg, even though the problem starts in your back.”
Common culprits include sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome.
This type of pain is caused by irritation or compression of a nerve, and it doesn’t usually go away with simple rest. It can also come with numbness or weakness — two major red flags to pay attention to.
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When to seek care – and what treatment looks like
If your pain lasts more than a few days, interferes with daily life, or is accompanied by weakness, tingling or loss of sensation, Dr. Murphy says it’s time to get checked out.
“Persistent pain could mean a pinched nerve or something more serious,” he explains. “The sooner we identify the cause, the better the outcome.”
Treatment depends on the source:
- Muscle pain typically responds to physical therapy, stretching, a gradual return to activity and anti-inflammatory medications
- Nerve pain may require nerve-specific medications and nerve-focused physical therapy
- Imaging or nerve tests may also be used to find the source of the problem
These conditions often overlap — for example, sciatica can irritate a nerve and tighten nearby muscles — so treatment plans frequently combine both approaches.
“Accurate diagnosis is key,” says Dr. Murphy. “Treating nerve pain like muscle pain — or vice versa — often won’t help and can sometimes make things worse.”
> Related: Can a Cortisone Shot Help With My Joint Pain?
Listen to your body
Both nerve and muscle pain can be frustrating, but your body is trying to tell you something.
“Don’t ignore pain that’s sharp, shooting, or persistent,” says Dr. Murphy. “The earlier we treat nerve issues, the better your chances of recovery.”
So whether it’s a post-workout ache or a tingling that just won’t quit, paying attention to the type of pain you’re feeling can help you take the right next step — and get back to feeling like yourself again.
