Pinched Strains & Sprains

Symptoms of Pinched Strains & Sprains


Because pinched strains and sprains can vary widely in severity, an equally diverse range of symptoms can occur. Despite these differences, however, sprains and strains share many features in common because of the sheer physical nature of these injuries. As a general rule, ligament sprains are typically more painful and require longer healing time than muscle strains.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? To learn more about how we can help, contact our team of experts at the Advanced Spine Center: (973) 538-0900.

Diagnosing Pinched Strains & Sprains


In order to treat your injury, your doctor will need to obtain a thorough account of your medical history, as well as detailed information about how your injury occurred. A physical examination will be performed in which your doctor gently palpates (or touches) the affected area and may ask you to move in certain ways that cause your pain to flare up. In addition, your doctor may prescribe X-ray imaging to ascertain that your injury does not involve a co-occurring injury of the spine. Simultaneously occurring conditions may include herniated disc or vertebral fractures. Once these more serious injuries have been ruled out, your physician will help you design a personalized treatment plan.

Pinched Strains & Sprains Treatment Options

Pain Management

Anti-inflammatory and pain medication can provide symptom relief while your injury heals. Outside of these techniques, rest and hot or cold treatments are generally sufficient to manage discomfort and enable a return to everyday activities.

Microdiscectomy

If your X-ray or MRI reveals the presence of a ruptured disc, your surgeon may perform a microdiscectomy to remove herniated disc material from the site of your injury. This minimally invasive procedure decompresses nerves that were pinched during your injury.Read more...

Conservative Therapies

For pinched strains and sprains that don’t heal within a few weeks, your doctor may suggest the following nonsurgical remedies: physical therapy, chiropractic care, deep tissue massage, ultrasound, gentle yoga, bracing, or traction.

Artificial Disc Replacement

If your muscle strain or ligament sprain resulted in a damaged intervertebral disc, your surgeon may recommend an artificial disc replacement. During this procedure, your surgeon extracts and then replaces the injured disc with an artificial model. Read more...