DOMS or strain?

thatsnumberwang

I started a new lifting program yesterday (go me!) and today I'm sore all over, as would be expected. But one part of my back (in between my right shoulder blade and my spine) is *really* sore. Like, having trouble lifting my arm all the way, woke me up in the night sore. How can I tell if this is just severe DOMS (in which case I'll train as usual tomorrow) or a strain/pull (in which case I should rest it for a while)? I don't want to rest an extra day if I don't have to, so any advice for telling the difference would be helpful. Thanks!

Mayor_West

The easiest way to tell the difference between a pulled muscle and a sore one is the type of pain. Soreness is more of a dull ache, whereas a pulled muscle involves more of a sharp pain. Of course, any advice gleaned on this subject from a message board will pale in comparison to an examination by a certified medical professional.

thatsnumberwang

Thanks, it's weird, because it's sort of in between. It's not quite at the level where I feel like I need to see a doctor (maybe if it gets worse or doesn't go away in a few days), but it's helpful to hear opinions from people with experience.

summer827

Hmmm...I am certainly not an expert but would just say if you're not sure tomorrow, don't push it. Do your lower body stuff and give it a rest! Better to avoid a real injury.

Maybe today you can warm up and gently stretch, sort of feel it out...Maybe try some ice and see if that helps?

addisondisease

I'd either roll it out or get it massaged out.