Symptoms of chronic back strain or sprain include:

• Back pain
• Worsens with movement
• Improves with rest
• Back stiffness
• Back tenderness

In someone with chronic back strain or sprain, bones, muscles or ligaments may place pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord.

Symptoms of nerve injury include:

• Back pain that spreads to the leg or groin:
• Leg pain (unilateral)
• Leg numbness (unilateral)
• Leg weakness (unilateral)
• Inability to urinate
• Urinary incontinence