Muscle Spasms: What Your Back Wants You To Know

If you feel like you’ve thrown out your back, you might have actually experienced a severe muscle spasm. Any muscle can be affected by muscle spasms, which are involuntary contractions that can range from mildly uncomfortable to excruciatingly painful. It can feel like having a charley horse, except in the back instead of the leg. If you’re experiencing severe or persistent spasms, you’ll find the back pain relief you need at an orthopedic rehab center.

Why Back Muscles Spasm

When your back spasms, it’s usually telling you one of two things: A back muscle is inflamed and strained, or there is a more serious, underlying problem in the area. The first primary cause of back spasms often occurs in athletes or fitness enthusiasts. Sports such as golf, baseball, basketball, and weightlifting require sudden twisting, pushing, or pulling of the structures in the back. This can lead to micro-tears in the muscles and tendons. If micro-damage isn’t to blame for your back spasm, then your sports medicine doctor will look for anatomical causes. These can include:

• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Facet joint osteoarthritis

These conditions can cause the spasm of the nearby back muscle in response to the inflammation.

What the Diagnostic Process Looks Like

Sometimes, a doctor can give an accurate diagnosis by hearing the patient’s in-depth explanation of the symptoms, and the activities he or she engaged in before the symptoms occurred. When you go to your appointment, expect to be asked about the onset, severity, and frequency of your pain. To rule out conditions like arthritis or fractures, the doctor may request imaging studies.

How Back Spasms Are Treated

Back spasms caused by acute micro-tears are easily treated with rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and ice or heat therapy. Physical therapy and chiropractic care can also improve the symptoms and support a speedy recovery. If the back spasms are caused by a more serious condition, the treatment plan will address that specific problem. This may involve conservative care or surgical intervention.

For rapid and effective back pain relief near The Woodlands, patients come to The Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers. Our team of specialists includes chiropractors in The Woodlands, physical therapists, and orthopedic surgeons. Don’t let back pain bring your quality of life down—call us today at 281-362-0006 for a prompt appointment.