How to Stop Back Spasms in Their Tracks

Back spasms can be a common occurrence, and they can be extremely painful. If you experience back spasms on a regular basis, it’s important to find ways to stop them from happening. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to prevent back spasms from occurring. We will also talk about what you can do if you already have back spasms. Chiropractors are experts in helping people with back pain, so be sure to consult with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center if you are struggling with sciatica!

Understanding Back Spasms

Back spasms are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles in your back. These contractions can be very painful and often limit movement. They often feel like a cramp or knot in the back of your body. Other symptoms can include: pain that radiates down your legs, numbness or tingling in the affected area, and difficulty bending or standing up straight. 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. 

Symptoms

Inflamed and tensed muscles can trigger a wide range of disruptive symptoms which include:

• Pain in the back, neck, arms, wrists, calves, feet, or practically any other body part
• Lack of response to stretching, which usually resolves minor muscle cramps
• Involuntary contractions that make your hands or feet jerk
• Tightness and irritation in the muscles
• Loss of movement and flexibility during the spasm
• Cramps that occur during exercise, certain times of the day, or when you are resting

Causes

There are a number of possible causes for back spasms:

• Not using your muscles enough. If you sit too much, have poor posture, don’t exercise or rarely use your back or stomach muscles, those muscles can get weak and spasm.
• Using your muscles too much. Athletes and those who do a lot of heavy lifting may experience back spasms. Such activities can cause a muscle strain, which is a tear, and that can cause inflammation.
• Dietary issues. Back spasms can be caused by too little water, potassium and/or calcium in your diet.
• Mental/emotional health issues. Anxiety and stress can tense up your muscles.
• Trauma. You may injure your back in a fall or car accident.

Treatment

If you have back spasms, the best thing to do is rest, apply an ice pack to the affected area and take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. You can also use a heating pad or take a hot bath to relax the muscles. If your back spasms persist, you should consult with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center. We offer treatment options like:

• Massage therapy to release knotted muscles and soothe throbbing muscles
• Assisted stretching that relieves cramping in hard to access areas
• Testing to rule out deficiencies and chronic illnesses
• Chiropractic care that realigns the spine to relieve nerve pressure and stop back cramps
• Trigger point injections

Prevention

The best way to prevent back spasms is to keep your muscles strong and limber. That means stretching regularly and strengthening the core muscles with exercises like planks, bridges and push-ups. It’s also important to maintain good posture when sitting or standing for long periods of time. You should also stay hydrated and make sure you’re getting enough calcium, potassium and other essential nutrients in your diet. If you’re an athlete, be sure to warm up properly before exercising and cool down afterwards. Finally, make sure you get enough rest and relaxation, as stress can trigger back spasms. Other prevention tips can include:

• Stretching fully before exercise and warming up slowly as you begin
• Staying hydrated and try a sports drink to prevent electrolyte issues
• Correcting your posture to reduce strain
• Sleeping on your back and use a pillow designed for proper neck support
• Keeping your chronic conditions under control
• Reporting disruptive side effects from your medications to your doctor
• Checking your nutrient levels to rule out deficiencies in iron, magnesium, calcium, or potassium

Make an Appointment with Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center

If you are suffering from chronic back pain or muscle spasms, contact Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center today for help. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments to help you manage your pain and regain your mobility. Don’t let back spasms keep you from living an active life – contact us now to schedule an appointment.