What Is Your Back Muscle Spasm Telling You?

Muscle spasms in your back can range from a minor discomfort and stiffness to a sharp, severe pain and muscle tightening that prevents normal back movements. Your back might be telling you to avoid a certain activity, or it could be warning of a more serious underlying issue in your spine.

A muscle strain can be a source of extraordinary pain. Watch: Lower Back Strain Video

Causes of muscle spasm

The first step to understanding what your back muscle spasm is telling you is to visit a doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. In general, most back muscle spasms occur because of the following reasons:

1. The muscles are trying to protect themselves from muscle strain

   A back spasm can occur after any type of strain or injury to the soft tissues (muscles, tendons or ligaments) in the spine. This type of soft tissue injury typically heals enough within a week or two for the muscle spasms to stop.

2. The muscles can spasm in response to an underlying anatomical problem

   If your back spasm does not get better in 1 to 2 weeks, or it comes and goes over time in the same area of your back, you may have an underlying anatomical problem in your spine. Some examples of underlying issues that could cause your back to spasm include:

   • Facet joint osteoarthritis
   • Degenerative disc disease
   • Spinal stenosis
   • Herniated disc

When these or other underlying anatomical problems are present in the spine, muscle spasms are likely to keep recurring due to ongoing inflammation or instability. It is important to seek medical attention to treat the underlying cause of your symptoms, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Watch Video: What Is Your Back Muscle Spasm Telling You?

advertisement

First aid for a painful back muscle spasm

View this

Initial Treatment for a Painful Back Muscle Spasm Infographic

in our Infographic Center.

View this

Initial Treatment for a Painful Back Muscle Spasm Infographic

in our Infographic Center.

When your back goes into spasm, the initial treatment goal is to get the muscle to relax and thus relieve the pain. Some effective treatments include:

Short period of rest

A painful back muscle spasm can make it difficult to perform daily activities or even move. Pushing through the pain may lead to further injury and delay recovery. Rather than trying to push through the pain, give it a rest. For example, stay home for the day and take it easy. Just remember to move as tolerated, such as by going for short walks. Prolonged inactivity can stiffen your muscles and lead to more pain. In general, walking is gentle on your back and promotes blood flow, which in turn helps speed the healing process. However, in some cases uneven ground or walking down or uphill can exacerbate an underlying reason for the muscle spasms. If that occurs, pay close attention to what aspect aggravates the symptoms and try to avoid it if possible.

Cold therapy

Applying ice wrapped in a protective sheath or towel, or a cold pack, to the painful part of your back is another way to help relieve an acute flare up of pain. As a general guideline, cold therapy will help reduce local inflammation, which in turn contributes to relieving pain. You can use a commercial ice pack or make one yourself. Cold therapy can be applied for 15 or 20 minutes, then give the skin a rest for a couple hours before the next application.

Watch: Video: How to Make a Gel Ice Pack

In This Blog Series:

• What Is Your Back Muscle Spasm Telling You?

• First Aid for Intense Pain from a Pulled Lower Back Muscle

• Video: What Is Your Back Muscle Spasm Telling You?

Heat therapy

Applying a heat pack or heating pad to the affected area can bring increased blood flow and soothing pain relief. As with cold therapy, limit applications of heat therapy to 15 or 20 minutes at a time. Allow for at least a couple hours of recovery time for your skin between applications. If using a commercial heat pad, follow its direction carefully.

See Benefits of Heat Therapy for Lower Back Pain

Comfortable inclined position

When you rest, you can reduce stress on your lower back by laying on your back in bed with your upper body supported at a slight incline and a pillow propped under your knees. Also, try sitting at an incline in a reclining chair with your legs supported and knees slightly bent.

advertisement

Over-the-counter pain relievers

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) can help reduce inflammation and pain. Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. Some people find that acetaminophen (Tylenol), which addresses pain but not the inflammation, is effective. Read and follow medication labels carefully before use.

See Common NSAIDs for Back and Neck Pain

Muscle relaxants

These are prescription medications that do not directly target the muscles; rather, they have an overall relaxing effect on your body. Muscle relaxants are typically only prescribed if the pain is intense, believed to be stemming from the muscle spasm (at least in part), and other treatments (such as described above) have not provided enough relief. Due to the risk of serious side effects, muscle relaxants are only used on a short-term basis. Some side effects may include dizziness, sleepiness, reduced reaction time, and others. Driving is not permitted while under the influence of muscle relaxants.

See Side Effects and Risks of Muscle Relaxers

After the acute pain of your back muscle spasm has resolved, your doctor or physical therapist may suggest physical therapy. A controlled, progressive exercise program that is tailored to fit your needs may help reduce or avoid future flareups of back pain.

See Strengthening Exercise Program for Low Back Pain Relief

Learn more:

Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain

Pulled Back Muscle Treatment

Dr. Zinovy Meyler is a physiatrist with over a decade of experience specializing in the non-surgical care of spine, muscle, and chronic pain conditions. He is the Co-Director of the Interventional Spine Program at the Princeton Spine and Joint Center.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Twitter
• Subscribe to our newsletter

• Email this article

advertisement

Editor’s Top Picks

• Pulled Back Muscle Treatment

• How to Relieve a Back Muscle Spasm Video

• Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain

• Lower Back Strain Video

• How to Relieve a Back Muscle Spasm Video

• Neck Spasms Animation

How to Relieve a Back Muscle Spasm Video

Hi, I’m Natalie. And today, Veritas Health is going to bring you how to relieve a back muscle spasm. A back muscle spasm can be very painful and make daily activities even more very uncomfortable. Pushing through pain can increase injury and delay recovery. Rather than pushing through pain, you can give your back a short period of rest.

Another thing you can use to help reduce a back muscle spasm is some cold therapy. You can use an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel, and apply to your back for 15 to 20 minutes in the painful area. You should give your skin several hours rest before application of another ice pack. Ice packs work by reducing local inflammation and, thus, relieving pain in that area.

Another treatment option you can use is heat therapy. You can use a heating pad or a hot pack applied to the painful area for, once again, 15 to 20 minutes. This brings soothing pain relief and local blood flow to help reduce pain in that area. You should give your skin several hours of rest between applications.

Another option you can use is resting in an inclined position. You can lie on your bed on your back with your upper body supported and your knees supported with a pillow. Another option you can do is lying in a reclining chair with your upper body slightly inclined and knees supported by a pillow.

You can also use over-the-counter medications to help relieve back pain. You can use an anti-inflammatory such as NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen Advil, naproxen Aleve, or you can use Tylenol, which does not reduce inflammation but can still be very effective in reducing pain.

If the over-the-counter medications aren’t working, you may be prescribed muscle relaxers, which help reduce the painful muscle spasm. When taking these medications, there are some serious side effects that can occur. So you should not drive while taking these.

Finally, once you are through your acute episode of back pain, your physical therapist or doctor might prescribe physical therapy for an individually tailored controlled progressive exercise program to help reduce the chance of a future flare-up. To learn more about how to treat your own back muscle spasms, please visit us at Spine Health and be sure to subscribe to our channel for more videos like this. Thank you for watching.

Dr. Natalie Ullrich is a physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and sports medicine at Plymouth Physical Therapy Specialists. She is passionate about treating each individual as a whole.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Twitter
• Subscribe to our newsletter

• Email this article

Editor’s Top Picks

• Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain

• Exercises for Lower Back Muscle Strain

• Medications for Back Pain and Neck Pain

• Benefits of Heat Therapy for Lower Back Pain

• Back Spasm Treatment Video

• Video: What Is Your Back Muscle Spasm Telling You?

What are back spasms

Back spasms and back pain are quite common and one of the main reasons people seek medical help. Back spasm can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle injuries or strains, poor posture, age, or other underlying conditions such as spondylolisthesis. Fortunately, there are many preventive methods that can help prevent back spasms, as well as treatments ranging from gentle stretching and massage to physical therapy or medication.

What are back spasms

Back spasms are involuntary contractions, tightening or spasms of the back muscles. One of the most common symptoms of back spasm is a sudden feeling of tightness in the back. Other symptoms of back spasm include throbbing, deep, or sharp back pain. In rare cases, back spasm can cause tingling, numbness, weakness in the legs, and changes in bowel habits. In these cases, you should immediately seek medical help.

Muscle spasms may be severe enough to interfere with normal movement, such as walking, or it may be a milder tension in the back muscles. Pain from back muscle spasms can be felt in the back, lower back, thighs, or buttocks. Pain from muscle spasms can last for a short time, or it can last longer, up to several weeks.

Causes of back spasms

There are many possible causes of back spasms. Back spasms can occur due to problems with the muscles, ligaments or joints of the back. Back spasms can be the result of an injury or strain in the back muscles. Such strains or injuries to the back muscles may be more common in those with weak abdominal muscles and abdominal support.

Some other risk factors that can lead to back spasms include heavy lifting, older age, poor posture, excessive sitting, and obesity. In addition, back spasms can be associated with poor mental health and stress. Sometimes cramps and back pain can have an underlying cause, such as spinal problems. For example, back spasms can result from spondylolisthesis, when a vertebra, one of the bones in the spine, shifts forward, affecting the spinal cord.

Other underlying disorders of the spine can cause back pain and spasms, including spinal stenosis or disc herniation. A doctor may use diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to make an accurate diagnosis of any underlying condition.

Back spasm prevention

Many preventive measures can help reduce the chance of back spasms. The level of physical activity, workplace environment, and daily activities can be factors in the occurrence of recurrent back spasms or back pain. Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine is one strategy for preventing back spasms. Exercises that focus on strengthening the abdominal and back muscles will help provide more back support.

Regular aerobic exercise is helpful in increasing blood flow and preventing back cramps and lower back pain. It is important to always maintain proper form during exercise to prevent muscle strain or back injury. Regular stretching can also help prevent back spasms.

It is also necessary to maintain the correct posture, both sitting and standing. Frequent breaks between sitting and moving your body can also help prevent back spasms. Such breaks may include light stretching or even short walks. Learning to protect your back when lifting heavy objects or doing repetitive movements is also important to prevent cramps and back pain.

Treatment of back spasms

Treatment of back spasms can vary depending on the severity and cause of the back spasm, and if you have severe back spasms or back spasms that do not improve within a week of rest, you should definitely consult a medical professional.

Cramping and pain in the back should rest and avoid heavy lifting to prevent further strain or injury to the back muscles and to help heal existing injuries. Some self-care and home treatments that help relieve back cramps include applying gentle heat, such as a heating pad. Gentle heat helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow to muscles and soft tissues, which promotes healing.

Ice or a cold pack applied to the affected area can also help with back spasms and reduce back muscle inflammation. A gentle back massage can also help treat back spasms and lower back pain. Massage can be done at home or with a registered massage therapist. Some gentle stretches, such as child’s pose, reduce or relieve muscle spasms.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation treatment may be required for people with long-term or chronic back spasms. Another long-term treatment for back spasms is yoga, which aims to gently stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back and spine. Chiropractic and spinal manipulation are other long-term treatments for reducing chronic back pain and spasms. Other therapies include acupuncture, tai chi, mindfulness, and stress reduction.

Your health care provider may suggest or prescribe some medications for back spasms, especially if they cause severe pain. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some healthcare providers may also recommend injections of anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone. All benefits and risks associated with medication should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

Back spasms are very common and range from mild discomfort to severe pain and reduced mobility. The causes and treatments for these painful spasms vary and may depend on the underlying cause and severity of the muscle spasms. Causes can be poor posture, weakness of the underlying muscles, a back injury, or a chronic illness.

Fortunately, there are many strategies that can be applied daily to help reduce the likelihood of painful muscle spasms. Regular exercise, good posture, stretching, and even relaxation techniques that help protect your back can prevent these cramps. Some home remedies, such as heat for blood flow, ice to reduce inflammation, and gentle stretching to relax muscles, can relieve mild spasms and pain. Other therapies, including physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture, can also provide healing and relief. Your doctor may make additional recommendations depending on the cause and severity of the pain. Maintaining physical activity and a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing and treating spasms and back pain.

Frequently asked questions about back spasms

How long do back spasms last?

• Back cramps can be quickly relieved with home remedies such as heat, stretching and muscle relaxation.
• Back spasms can also last longer, up to several weeks, and may require more extensive treatment depending on the cause of the spasm and severity.

Are back spasms a serious condition?

• Back spasms can be caused by mild muscle strains or injuries, or they can be indicative of a more serious condition.
• A health care professional may perform an examination to make an accurate diagnosis of a more serious condition that may be causing back spasm or lower back pain.

Is there a specific sleeping position that helps with back cramps?

• Sleeping positions that take pressure off your back, such as lying on your back with a pillow under your knees, can help relieve cramps and pain at night.
• Having a quality mattress with the right firmness will also help reduce nighttime back pain.

ANAHANA PHYSICAL HEALTH RESOURCES

PHYSICAL HEALTH WIKI

Fight or Flight Response

Sleep Hygiene

Guided Sleep Meditation

9000 2 Neuroplasticity

PHYSICAL HEALTH BLOGS

What is the nervous system

What is central nervous system

What is the vagus nerve

What is the peripheral nervous system

What is the somatic nervous system

What is the autonomic nervous system

What is spinal stenosis

What is the sympathetic nervous system

What is back spasms

Links

https://www.he althline.com/health/back-pain/lower -back-spasms#causes

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22881-back-spasms

https://www.verywellhealth.com/causes-of-back-spasms-5095832

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2782184

https://orthoinfo. aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/adult-spondylolisthesis-in-the-low-back/#:~:text=In%20spondylolisthesis%2C%20one%20of%20it, varies %20%20light%20 to%20heavy.

https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/187/5/1093/455790

https://www.reidhealth.org/blog/5-tips-to-lessen-back-pain-at -night

Muscle spasms and pains

Syktyvkar,
Oktyabrsky pr., 164

Monday-Friday

08:00-20:00

Saturday

09:00-17:00

Sunday

Holiday

Syktyvkar,
st. Kuratova, 73/2

Monday-Saturday

08:00-20:00

Sunday

09:00-15:00

Normally, a person’s muscles either tense entirely or are completely relaxed. The degree of muscle tension is controlled, thanks to which a person is able to perform any action: from physical hard exercises to fine work under a microscope. Muscle spasm, or muscle block – a muscle condition in which a muscle area is in constant tension and is not controlled by a person. Spasms affect both individual bundles of muscle fibers and whole muscles.

The larger the area of ​​the muscle in the block, the higher the intensity of pain. A person may not even feel small spasms, and large ones can completely capture attention – a person will not be able to focus on anything other than a reduced muscle.

Causes

When talking about muscle blocks, they usually mean tension in the muscles of the neck and back: trapezius, rhomboid major, square lumbar, latissimus dorsi, and others. Muscle spasms of the back occur with the following pathologies:

• Severe stress. Stress affects the functioning of the endocrine system, which causes an increase in muscle tone.
• Spinal injuries. With bruises of the spine, a trigger point can be touched – the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe muscle that is most sensitive to stimuli, when squeezed, severe pain occurs.
• Chronic overexertion. Appears when the back position is incorrect during prolonged sitting or standing work. Also, overstrain of the back muscles occurs when the bag is constantly worn on one shoulder.
• Osteochondrosis and its complications – protrusions and hernias. With osteochondrosis, nerve tissue is pinched, which causes spasms in the muscles.

Complications of muscle spasms

With a spasm, the vessels and nerves are constantly pinched, due to which less oxygen and nutrients enter the muscles, and the nervous tissue becomes inflamed. The metabolism in adjacent tissues also worsens: bone and cartilage. Due to constant muscle spasms, diseases such as sciatica, arthritis of the joints of the spine, dystrophy of skeletal muscles, and curvature of the spine develop. In addition, compression of the nerves threatens to disrupt the work of other internal organs.

Symptoms of muscle block

• Severe aching pain, sometimes itching and pressing;
• Pain increases sharply with pressure on the contracted muscle;
• Pain does not subside when the body is relaxed;
• Frequent headaches.

Treatment of muscle spasms

For a warm-up, the usual exercises from physiotherapy exercises or yoga are suitable. You can also sign up for a massage parlour. At first, during warm-ups, painful sensations are possible.

If the mobility of the muscles is impaired, and the pain during the warm-up does not go away in the first 2-3 days, be sure to consult a doctor. Also, you should consult a doctor if there is a feeling of numbness, weakness and tingling in the muscles. The doctor will conduct an examination, make a diagnosis and select the right treatment.

Prophylaxis recommendations

To avoid muscle spasms will help:

• Regular moderate muscle exercise;
• Active lifestyle;
• Correct posture of the body during sitting and standing work;
• Warming up muscles, stretching before active physical exercises.

Fedorov Vasily Vladimirovich,
neurologist

Determine the cause of the spasm

Let’s restore muscle mobility

Prevent complications

Get advice

branch *

Choose. .. Oktyabrsky pr., 164 st. Kuratova, 73/2

surname *

your name *

telephone *

e-mail

branch from session

Branch mail for messages

User city defined by IP

I agree to the processing of personal data

In the near future the administrator will contact you at the specified phone number.

Status

Source

* – required fields

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.