Back Muscle Spasms Causes and Treatments
By Debra Rodzinak
If you have ever had a muscle spasm in any muscle, like a charley horse in your calf, you know the immediate, intense pain that stops you in its tracks. Now imagine this type of spasm in your back. When a back muscle experiences a spasm, it is usually a result of the muscle actually trying to protect itself. No matter the reason for the spasm, those who experience these terrible pains want immediate relief.
Causes of Back Muscle Spasms
The muscles of the back are meant to protect the spine from injury. When the muscles are overextended or stretched too far, the back muscles protect themselves by contracting. This protects the muscle from tearing or other injury. The result of the contraction is pain or a spasm.
With the right type of treatment and plenty of rest, muscle spasms usually heal within a week or two. If the muscle spasm happens again, there may be an underlying problem such as:
- Facet Joint Misalignment
- Facet Joint Arthritis
- Ruptured or Herniated Disc
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Pain from Spinal Discs
- Other Injury to Joints or Disc in the Spine
Treatment for Muscle Spasm
In treating back muscle spasms, it is very important to diagnose the underlying problem. The treatment should be directed at the underlying problem. Unless the underlying problem is evaluated, discovered, and treated, the back muscle spasms will tend to recur.
Many people try a warm bath to relax the back muscles. This works for muscle spasms that are the result of a one-time injury to the muscle. However, if you have soaked in the tub and found relief only to have the pain return as soon as you start moving around, you may have a deeper underlying issue such as the ones mentioned above. Proper diagnosis of the problem is the key to the proper course of treatment.
Some common treatments for muscle spasms include:
- Ice and heat therapy
- Massage
- Chiropractic
Chiropractic Treatment
If you have suffered a muscle spasm, come to The Joint for a gentle spinal adjustment. If the cause of your muscle spasm is attributed to degenerative disc disease, facet joint dysfunction, or overuse, the expert doctors at The Joint can help you. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, the superior staff at The Joint can get you on your way quickly to a pain-free, healthier back.