What Causes Back Spasms & How You Can Relieve The Pain

Back spasms are a common issue that many people deal with. But what causes back spasms? There are many potential causes; from long hours sitting at a desk, commuting, or lifting incorrectly.

Back spasms are involuntary contractions of the muscles in the back. They have the potential to be very painful and can make it impossible for you to move. Back spasms may result from muscle strain or medical conditions. Thankfully, most cases of back spasms can be treated without the need for surgery so long as the pain is unrelated to nerve problems in your spine.

Here are some further causes of back spasms, and steps you can take to remedy the pain.

What causes a person to experience back spasms?

Muscle strain

Muscle strain is the most common cause of back spasms. A muscle strain occurs when people twist, lift, or bend too much, causing the muscles to become stretched or torn. Golfers may particularly relate, as a golf swing demands sudden and intense twisting of your back.

Another cause of muscle strain is having poor posture or standing for too long in a fixed position.

Poor posture

People with poor posture tend not to use the muscles in their core, which leads to weaker core muscles. Poor posture also creates tension on the spine and surrounding muscles, which can lead to injury.

Injuries or Medical Conditions

A herniated disk - A spinal disk can bulge or rupture and place pressure on a nerve root, which can cause pain to radiate down your leg.

Spinal stenosis - The narrowing of open spaces in your spine can put pressure on your spinal cord and nerves.

Osteoarthritis - A type of arthritis that affects the joints in your spine. It can cause inflammation in your vertebrae (the bones of your spine), resulting in pain and stiffness.

Sedentary lifestyle

People who don't exercise are much more likely to injure their backs. Especially when they suddenly exert themselves or begin a new exercise regimen. Also, people who sit for long periods tend to have weaker cores and more back injuries.

Improper lifting

Improper lifting causes a lot of back injuries due to straining the muscles or causing them to tear. The safest way to lift something is by bending at the knees rather than at the waist and keeping your back straight.

Treating Back Spasms

Self-care for back spasms can include:

Over-the-counter pain relievers - Medications like ibuprofen may help with the pain and inflammation associated with back spasms.

Ice and heat therapy - Applying ice to your back during the first 24 to 48 hours after a spasm can reduce inflammation and pain. After that, using heat on your lower back may help relax the muscles.

Stretching exercises - Stretching is a great way to strengthen the muscles that support your back. If you can, take it easy as you slowly stretch your lower back muscles. Move slowly and stop if you feel any pain while stretching or exercising. Don't exercise if it causes more than mild discomfort.

Seeing your chiropractor - When at home treatments aren’t helping relieve your back pain, it may be time to see your chiropractor. Dr. Vollrath and the team at Core Chiropractic will assess the root cause of your back spasms and develop a treatment plan to get your back to 100%.

If you have any questions about back pain or you’re ready to book an appointment, please contact us today!