Back spasms can typically be treated effectively without surgery. Some intervention may be necessary if the pain is related to nerve problems in the spine. Back spasms can be the result of injuries to the muscles, tendons , and ligaments in the back , or they can be related to more serious medical conditions.
Heavy lifting is a common cause of back spasms. In addition to heavy lifting, any activity that puts excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back can cause an injury. Sports such as football and golf can lead to back spasms because they demand that the back turn suddenly and repeatedly. Your back muscles may be more vulnerable if you have weak abdominal muscles , which help support the back.
Weak or stiff muscles in the back itself can be injured more easily than muscles that are stronger and more limber. Back spasms may occur if you have arthritis or a ruptured disc in your spine. Arthritis in the lower back can put pressure on the spinal cord, which may cause pain in the back and the legs. A ruptured or bulging disc in the vertebrae may also pressure a nerve and result in back pain. Your doctor may order an X-ray to look for signs of arthritis or bone fracture. They may also order magnetic resonance imaging MRI or computerized tomography CT to gain a better look at the muscles and other soft tissues.
These scans can also help identify possible problems with the discs or with blood supply to the affected area. If using a commercial heat pad, follow its direction carefully. 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. Some people find that acetaminophen Tylenol , which addresses pain but not the inflammation, is effective. Read and follow medication labels carefully before use.
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. After the acute pain of your back muscle spasm has resolved, your doctor or physical therapist may suggest physical therapy.
A doctor will take a full medical history and ask for details about the spasms. A physical examination or imaging scans of the lower back and spine may also be necessary.
If there are other symptoms, the doctor might explore whether or not they relate to the muscle spasms. Treatment depends on the cause of the symptoms.
While exercise and stretching may improve many causes of lower back spasm, this might not be sufficient for chronic conditions. Depending on the diagnosis, a doctor may recommend:.
If the pain is intense, does not improve with home management, or keeps coming back, it is necessary to see a doctor. However, some strategies that may help with lower back spasm in the meantime include:.
It is not always possible to prevent lower back spasm, but good self-care can reduce the risk of chronic back problems. People should follow the CDC recommendation and ensure they get minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise each week. It is also advisable to do muscle-strengthening exercises on at least 2 days of the week.
Stress management, including meditation or deep breathing, can prevent unconscious tensing. People who spend extended periods sitting should stretch regularly and take hourly breaks. Practicing good posture can reduce the pain that comes with sitting for extended periods. Back spasms often disappear on their own. They may come back, or they might never appear again.
It depends on the cause. People with chronic conditions such as arthritis typically find that their symptoms get worse with time. However, if they are willing to try different medications and other strategies, it is possible for their symptoms to improve. Lower back spasm can be painful and frustrating. It may cause some people to stop exercising or to become less active, which will exacerbate the problem.
The best way to deal with back spasms is to stay active and experiment with home treatment options. If the pain does not go away, then it is best to see a doctor. A range of issues can cause back pain after eating, including poor posture, ulcers, and even a heart attack.
Learn about symptoms and prevention here. Learn about 13 causes of middle back pain and discover techniques to find relief. Common causes include poor posture, arthritis, and herniated disks.
Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Back pain is a common affliction. It can feel mildly uncomfortable or leave you in extreme agony. Crippling back pain can leave you doubled over, unable to get through your day-to-day activities.
If you have a severe back disorder, it may cause temporary, recurring, or chronic pain. Back spasms can leave a person immobile and struggling to complete everyday tasks without groaning in pain. A back spasm is an involuntary contraction of the back muscles. Moving in a certain way may trigger a back spasm.
More often than not, spasms happen because of muscle weakness, overuse, or injury. Chronic back spasms may be the result of an underlying condition. If muscle spasms are particularly severe, they may stem from nerve irritation or damage. Muscle spasms can happen for several reasons. Here are a few common causes. A muscle strain is an injury that can happen due to overuse.
Sudden forces can also cause acute muscle strain injuries. Twisting motions, for instance, can cause acute back strains. A common location for muscle strains is the lower back. In addition to causing sudden pain and lingering soreness, muscle strains can also cause painful back spasms. Facet joints are the bones that connect the different portions of your spine. With facet joint osteoarthritis , the cartilage surrounding these joints breaks down, which causes pain.
If bone spurs develop, nerve irritation can also occur. Over time, your body experiences wear and tear. Aging takes a toll on many parts of the body, including the joints. Degenerative disc disease is a type of arthritis of the spine that involves the degradation of joint cartilage. When it does, the pain can be severe, potentially causing spasms. The different bones in your spine are separated and cushioned by discs.
When a disc herniates, it bulges from its original place, putting pressure on surrounding nerves.
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