Is your back holding you back? When pain or spasms immobilize you, trust our spine specialists to help!
In 2020, approximately 619 million people worldwide experienced low back pain, with projections estimating 843 million cases by 2050. In the United States, about 39% of adults reported experiencing back pain in the past three months, with prevalence increasing with age and being higher among women and those with lower income levels.
A strong and healthy back and spinal cord offer more than a pain-free life. They provide a sturdy frame for your body and shoulders, contribute to your best posture, and allow you to move swiftly with a wide range of mobility. Unfortunately, back spasms can put a quick end to this comfort if you’re not careful, so consider seeing a New York Spine Specialist for top doctors and state-of-the-art facilities in spinal care when they occur.
Our New York professionals include surgeons, physicians, and physician assistants who use interventional treatments to target minor and more complex neck and back issues. To start relieving symptoms now, ask us about our treatment programs and what we can do to help.
What Do Back Spasms Feel Like?
For most people, back spasms occur randomly, feeling like a minor twitch or muscle jerk. To others, they feel more prominent with muscles seizing or contracting, but they usually build to severe pain in both cases.
While these symptoms occur in the intrinsic, superficial, and intermediate muscles in the upper and middle back sections, lower back spasms are more frequent, especially since about 80% of all US citizens tend to have lower back pain at some point, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms of Back Spasms
Symptoms differ between individuals, depending on their health history and current back health. For instance, someone with fibromyalgia may experience more pain than someone in optimal health, but aches and pains aren’t the only symptoms of spasms. You may also note the following:
- A tight knot in the spot where the spasm occurred or tightness radiating throughout the body, preventing movement like bending or reaching
- Weakness or no feeling whatsoever in the limbs
- On-and-off cramping in the back or other parts of the body after a spasm
- Disorientation that contributes to loss of coordination and balance
- Uncontrollable bladder and bowel movements
What Causes Back Spasms?
Spasms are common among active people who strain their back, neck, or spinal cord, like athletes in high-contact sports and weightlifters. That’s because they place excessive force on their muscles or work out incorrectly, using the wrong body parts, which causes inflammation and tears.
However, something as simple as having poor sitting, standing, or sleeping posture or experiencing prior back pain or injuries could spark this discomfort, especially if you live a sedentary lifestyle. According to Medical News Today, about 25% of adults do not work their muscles enough, causing the muscles to weaken over time, paving the way for spasms and other ailments.
While some back pain ceases with a chiropractic adjustment or physical therapy, the bulleted symptoms above could point to a deeper issue, like an epidural abscess or stiff person syndrome. If you’re wondering what causes back spasms, check with your healthcare physician to determine if gallstones, kidney infections, or a tumor are causing a more serious or repetitive spasm episode.
Muscle spasms are also evident in those with:
- Dietary deficiencies, like having a low calcium or potassium diet, or not drinking enough water
- Previous physical trauma from vehicle accident, sports, falls, and other accidents
- Mental and emotional trauma, like constant stress and anxiety that takes a toll on the body
How To Stop Back Spasms
If an accident has left your lower back with a stiff or painful knot, alternate between ice and heat packs for relief since ice helps with inflammation and heat increases blood circulation for healing. Also, back stretches like a seated spinal twist, cat-cow, cobra pose, or child’s pose all relieve stress while strengthening the spine. Finally, try a massage or physical therapy to reduce the abrasive factor.
Physical Therapy for Back Spasms
Physical therapy is a common treatment for relieving back spasms and muscle tension. A physical therapist will assess your posture, spinal alignment, and muscle strength before recommending a personalized treatment plan. Stretching and strengthening exercises, such as focusing on back and abdominal muscles, can help reduce muscle strain and prevent future spasms. Physical therapy will often involve exercises that improve blood flow and reduce muscle weakness, focusing on your core and lower back muscles.
Pain Relief with Medications
Over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help alleviate the inflammation and pain associated with muscle spasms. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger muscle relaxants to help manage severe pain and provide temporary relief. Muscle relaxants work by reducing muscle tension and calming spasms, helping the muscles relax, and promoting faster recovery.
Recognizing the Risk Factors for Back Spasms
Understanding the risk factors for back spasms is essential for prevention. Poor posture is a significant contributor to muscle spasms, as improper spinal alignment can place undue stress on your back and abdominal muscles. Lifting heavy objects incorrectly or engaging in strenuous activities without proper warm-up can also increase the likelihood of experiencing muscle spasms.
Lifestyle Factors
Individuals with sedentary lifestyles are more prone to muscle weakness and poor flexibility, which can exacerbate the risk of spasms. Engaging in regular physical activity and practicing stress management techniques can help eliminate recurring pain and keep your muscles strong and flexible. Moreover, poor ergonomics at work or at home can contribute to muscle strain and spasms.
Treatment for Chronic and Severe Back Spasms
If you are dealing with chronic back spasms, your healthcare provider may suggest more advanced treatments, such as spinal injections or even surgery, depending on the cause. In some cases, the underlying condition, like spinal stenosis or a herniated disc, requires surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Chronic back pain can often lead to muscle imbalances and further spasms, so addressing the root cause is key to long-term relief.
If spasms are related to nerve compression or an epidural abscess, seeking immediate medical attention is essential to prevent permanent nerve damage or worsening pain symptoms.
The Only Specialists in the Area To Fight Back Like a New Yorker
At New York Spine Specialist, we provide personalized care tailored to your needs. Our specialists work closely with you to develop effective treatment plans that address both the immediate symptoms of back spasms and the underlying causes. Whether you’re dealing with muscle strain, spinal stenosis, or another spinal issue, our team uses the latest techniques to help alleviate pain and improve your mobility. If you’re suffering from back spasms or chronic back pain, don’t wait – call us today at (516) 355-0111 or request an appointment. We offer same-day consultations to ensure you get the care you need when you need it most.
Our doctors accept most forms of insurance, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection) plans. Same-day appointments may be available.
Don’t confuse sciatica with traditional back spasms. Contact us to decipher the cause of your concerns and get help relieving sciatica pain.
FAQs About Back Spasms
What causes muscle spasms in the back?
Muscle spasms in the back can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, overuse, or injury. They may also result from poor posture, heavy lifting, or a lack of physical activity, which can lead to weak back muscles. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to muscle tension and spasms. An accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider can help determine the root cause of your back pain and guide appropriate treatment, such as physical therapy or relaxation techniques.
How do I differentiate between a back spasm and other back pain?
A back spasm typically involves sudden, intense muscle contractions in the back, often causing severe pain or a tight, knot-like feeling in the soft tissues of the back muscles. Unlike other types of back pain, a back spasm is usually more acute and may come on quickly. It can also be associated with odd sensations or weakness in the limbs. If your pain lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by bladder control weakness, it’s essential to seek an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
Can back spasms be prevented with physical therapy?
Yes, physical therapy can be highly effective in preventing back spasms. A physical therapist will suggest strengthening exercises for your back muscles and stretches to increase flexibility, which can reduce the likelihood of spasms. Additionally, learning proper posture and safe lifting techniques, such as keeping your knees slightly bent when lifting heavy objects, can help prevent muscle strain and spasms. Regular physical therapy can also address any underlying muscle imbalances contributing to the pain.
Are back spasms related to stress or relaxation techniques?
Stress can cause muscle tension, leading to back spasms. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle stretching, can help reduce stress and muscle tension in the back. These techniques help promote blood flow to the muscles and soft tissues, preventing spasms from occurring. Consistent relaxation practices can significantly reduce the frequency of muscle spasms and improve your overall back health.
What should I do if I feel a mild twitch in my back?
A mild twitch in your back may be a sign of an impending spasm or muscle tension. It’s often caused by overuse, dehydration, or muscle fatigue. If you experience a mild twitch, it’s important to take a break, hydrate, and practice gentle stretches to release any tightness in the back muscles. If the twitching persists or progresses to more severe spasms, consider seeking medical attention to ensure an accurate diagnosis and determine if physical therapy or other treatments are needed.