The first way, see if there is leg pain.

Generally speaking, if it is a lumbar disc herniation, there are 3 situations. The first is feeling back pain, the second is feeling leg pain, and the third is having both back and leg pain.

Generally a herniated lumbar disc results in sciatica, so to lumbar to thigh pain may be felt.

But lumbar muscle strain is usually only lumbar pain, if more serious, but also to the hip also feel pain. But it doesn't usually extend below the thighs. If you feel pain below the knee, you can basically conclude that you have a herniated disc.

The second way is to look at where the pain is.

The pressure point of a herniated disc is usually in the back, and when it hurts more, it may involve the lower limbs. But the pain point of lumbar muscle strain is very clear, usually is on both sides of the lumbar muscle, will not be involved in the back, and will not be involved in the lower limbs.

The third way is to look at the level of pain and whether you can still move around.

Herniated lumbar discs are very, very painful, and some people in pain can only stay in one position, with no way to bend or flex. Some people are only able to lie in bed and not move at all.

While lumbar muscle strain is also very painful, but not as painful as a herniated disc, some people are more resistant to pain, or can adhere to the tool. And you can also carry out bending these movements, just move gently and slowly.

These three methods above can roughly determine which kind of disease, but this is only an experience, and can not be used as a basis for diagnosis. If you really feel your lumbar muscle pain, you still need to go to the hospital at the first time for treatment.

At the same time, combined with the hospital's relevant examination, such as X-ray, ct, etc., to be able to have further judgment.