When one’s back muscles are contorted in unusual positions, twisted, or suddenly strained, muscles spasms may result. Experiencing tightness in the back muscles is often due to bad posture or lifting heavy objects improperly, and may also lead to spasms. Unfortunately, not many people practice proper posture or proper lifting technique. As a result, muscle spasms are one of the top causes of back pain, as well as the kinds of pain it causes based on how severe the injury is. Treating muscle spasms and back pain depends on how much pain the patient is experiencing, and how tense the back muscles are.
Causes
For the most part, muscle spasms are a symptom of an injury afflicting the back muscle. Quick movements or overworking the back muscles causes them to involuntarily tighten. Muscles that are tight for long periods of time tend to suffer from involuntary contractions. This tightening of the back muscles is the source of many back pain and muscle spasms. Furthermore, they can be instigated by a plethora of regular, daily activities such as moving boxes or coughing.
Depending on the individual, the threshold for back pain can be all over the spectrum. The physical symptoms related to muscle spasms in one’s back span from feelings of light cramping to intense, debilitating pain. Most of this pain is experienced without warning, and can span a range of several minutes per spasm. However, in extreme cases, muscle spasms can last for hours on end.
Treatment
Treating muscle spasm and back pains depends entirely on how initial injury occurred and if the patient is willing and capable of performing muscle rehabilitation on his or her own, or if the patient will require medical supervision. Improper motions result in injuries through overuse, and are often the most easy to treat since poor habits can be controlled and eliminated.
Most medical professionals will provide some kind of heat therapy, along with rest, and a small variety of exercises designed to promote comfort and relaxation. Should the tightness in the back muscles result from muscle spasms, treating it may take longer since the underlying issues, muscle stiffness, will need to be addressed through corrective exercises in physical therapy sessions. The physician may decide to prescribe some muscle relaxants to patients who are having trouble dealing with the physical symptoms.
In some cases, simple stretching may also reduce the chances of muscle injuries since they loosen one’s tight muscles. People should keep in mind to remain in an upright posture to ensure their back muscles remain flexible and limber. Practicing proper lifting techniques, such as lifting with the legs and keeping the back straight, as well as simply wearing a back brace, can reduce the strain on the back and typically prevent muscle spasms and back pain from occurring in the first place.
Photo Credit: eddie gittins