Brief Answer: Radiological tests... Detailed Answer: Hi, Symptom wise, there is considerable overlap between muscle strain and disc problems. However if the pain is recent in onset and mild you can always use heat pads and topical pain agents. These are often sufficient to take care of muscle strains. Oral pain killers can be used once in awhile. If symptoms don't resolve in 2 weeks time, you can proceed to a doctor for radiological tests which will clear any doubts regarding disc problems. That being said, only serious disc issues progress to cause symptoms. Mild disc issues are asymptomatic. Take adequate rest during the period of recovery... Hope this helps. Regards

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