Because of the way humans have grown and evolved, back pain is one of the most common – and the most inevitable – conditions that will happen to all people at one point or another. In fact, approximately 80% of the human population deals with back pain. Back pain frequently reveals itself by spasming, which is when the muscles in the back involuntarily contract or get tense for short periods of time. But what causes back spasms?
Some people may experience this on occasion, while for others, it may be a more chronic thing. At Yashar Neurosurgery, our mission is to help you understand the causes and symptoms behind your back pain, in order to figure out why the spasms have occurred. If you are dealing with back spasms or chronic pain, the following information can help you get some insight into why this may be happening to you.
Don’t wait for back pain to get worse. Get in touch with your top neuro and spine surgeon to root out the solution as quickly as possible.
Main Causes of Back Spasms
Back spasms usually occur when there is damage in the back’s muscles or ligaments. Sometimes, something as simple as lifting a heavy box can cause the back to spasm.
Anything that puts a lot of strain on the muscles and ligaments in the back can make it prone to injury and spasming. For example, playing a physically-heavy sport like football can damage the back, as you are constantly and suddenly twisting it to get into different positions.
There can be other medical conditions that lead to back spasms, such as if you have a ruptured disc or arthritis in your spine. Pre-existing conditions, especially those in the spine, can lead to the development of further damage as it puts pressure on the spine, vertebrae, back, and legs.
How are Back Spasms Diagnosed?
At the office of Dr. Yashar, we take precautions to diagnose back spasms based on symptoms that you will be asked about. Symptoms involve tightness in the muscles, chronic pain, and unnecessary pressure. Questions will be relating to:
- How severe your back pain is
- If there’s anything that relieves it (assuming a certain position, applying pressure, etc.)
- When the back pain started, and whether you have pre-existing conditions
- How often your back spasms
It’s important to let your doctor know when you started noticing the spasms, and whether you’ve recently been involved in a lot of physical activity or labor.
How to Get Immediate Relief
There is no one single cure that can get rid of back spasms or cure you of your back pain. There are, however, certain exercises or practices you can use to get immediate relief when your back is bothering you. Medical News Today offers the following solutions:
- At-home massage on the affected area for one minute
- Application of heat or ice to reduce tension and inflammation
- Using a foam roller on the affected area to soothe the muscle tightness
- Over-the-counter medicines and muscle relaxants prescribed by a doctor
There are also a couple of things that Dr. Yashar can recommend to prevent your back spasms from developing further. It is a good idea to work on standing and sitting up straight as much as possible, as it will strengthen the core of your lower back. Regular physical activity that strengthens the back and abdomen will also help keep the muscles formidable and can prevent spasms.
Back problems can worsen if you are stagnant. The more you remain in bed or in a seat during the day, the more prone you become to developing spasms. If you notice an issue with your back, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor ASAP.
Visit Yashar Neurosurgery to Stop Your Spasms Today!
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Back problems are serious, especially when spasms have developed. If you need help with your back, contact our office to schedule an appointment. You can reach out to us online or call us at (424) 361-0923 to plan a consultation.
