Back pain can be very serious. A very common reason for back pain is from back spasms. Back spasm pain can vary from mildly annoying to incredibly detrimental, keeping one from a regular routine and can develop into a chronic issue. Some may even need to go to the hospital for the pain, but for most, the pain can be manageable and even treatable.
Back spasms mainly occur in the lower back caused by contractions in the muscles, usually involuntarily. Usually, this can be caused by extreme exercise, heavy lifting, and playing rough sports. However, some are caused by basic movement. It is important to see a doctor when having back pain to see if it can be treated and diagnosed. A doctor can help find the right solution to resolve your back pain.
To be more technical, back spasms are caused when a ligament, tendon, or muscle is unusually strained for any reason or repeatedly strained to build up to intense pain. A spasm can also come from a spinal injury. If it is from a spinal injury it may be more serious and should be looked at by a doctor. More serious reasons for back spasms include arthritis or even a ruptured spinal disc.
Normal effects of back spasms are sharp, shooting pains in the lower back, and limiting mobility, including bending, sitting up, and laying down. While these spasms are usually in the lower back they can occur on occasion in the legs and hips. It varies from case to case and the degree of pain varies as well. That is why treatment is so important.
Ice and heat are very effective in treating back pain. Applying a cold, ice pack to the affected area for twenty minutes a few times a day can help reduce pain during and after a back spasm. Make sure to use a proper ice pack to prevent ice burn. Others prefer heat. Using a heat pack or pad during the spasm can greatly relieve pain. Most follow this with a cooling pack with a break of twenty minutes in between. Experiment with this method to discover what the best pairing is for you.
Massages are often used to help with all kinds of pain and can thusly be applied to back spasm pains as well. Of course, it is difficult to receive a massage right at the time of a spasm, but getting one before or after can be very helpful to the muscles and relieve some pain. A firm massage is best, pressing firmly on the afflicted spot for 30-60 seconds. It may be uncomfortable at first. It is important if you feel a pulse where you’re applying pressure to stop and move away from the area.
Stress, both physical and mental can cause great problems with back spasms. The more stressed a person is, the more pain they will endure. It is best in these situations to rest often and on your side for the most effective treatment. It may also help to put a pillow between your knees when lying down. Sleep can be very effective when dealing with stress, physical and mental.
Medication is a short-term solution that may help at the moment, but will most likely not help in the long run. They can be used to supply temporary pain relief. Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be effective for a short time, but should not be taken more than directed and may have side effects. A higher dosage of pain medication can be prescribed by your doctor, especially for chronic cases.
Gently movement, stretching, light yoga, and short walks can be very helpful in easing the pain from back spasms. All of these activities encourage blood flow throughout the body and can accelerate the healing process. Two of the most effective poses for relieving back pain are the child’s pose and cat-cow. It is important to not stretch too fast or frequently until you’ve built up the proper muscle and tolerance.
Overall, there are many effective treatments for back spasm pain, however, it is still important to consult a professional doctor and make a plan with them.
