Back Spasm Treatment

Back spasm is a sudden, involuntary and painful contraction of the muscles of the back. Muscle cramps in the back area can lead to mild or severe back pain. Players, athletes often have to face severe back pain due to a pulled muscle in the back. Muscle pain can be transferred to surrounding areas, making the situation worse. Wrong posture, injury to the muscles or bones during sports or accidents, excessive work-load on back while working or exercising may lead to muscle fatigue, muscle spasm or cramp. Vitamin/mineral deficiency, nerve damage, arthritis, osteoporosis, stress, wrong posture, etc., are some of the common causes of frequent back spasms.

How to Lower Back Pain

• Exercise: Back exercises and stretches for the backs help most patients. Doctors also recommend 'exercise' as the best back spasm treatment, because it helps relieve the strained muscle. Medicines alone can not cure the problem. Walking can also be a good exercise.
• Massage: Massage with sesame oil, mustard oil, olive oil or prescribed ointment, works great for back pain. A properly trained massager can offer back pain relief within a few minutes. Ayurvedic oil massage helps relieve the back spasm pain.
• Physiotherapy: In case of severe pain, doctors usually recommend physical therapy.
• Acupressure/Acupuncture: Acupressure and acupuncture therapies are often recommended to the patients who complain about constant back pain due to muscular spasm.
• Warm Clothes: Covering your back with warm clothes helps avoid excessive exposure to cold. Rains and chilly weather can worsen the situation.
• Weight Loss: Natural remedies for back pain include following a weight loss diet regularly, taking a hot bath and sufficient rest. Excess weight creates stress which causes muscles to contract. A pulled muscle in the back can generate severe pain.
• Support: Watch for your postures in office chairs, car seats, sofas, beds, dining chairs etc. If your upper or lower back is missing the required support, insert a small cushion there and avoid upper or lower back pain.
• Mattress: Watch your mattresses which might have uneven surfaces, which can increase the back pain. Use a comfortable mattress.
• Sleep: Insufficient sleep can lead to back spasm and pain. So, sleep well but do not forget to watch your position, as it should not strain the back muscle more.
• Relaxation: Stress is the unavoidable element of modern lifestyle. But there are relaxation techniques which help relieve the stress. Meditation, listening music, yoga, etc., play an important role in back spasm treatment. Over the counter medications that help lower the stress also work great.
• Ice Packs: Ice packs can be used to reduce the inflammation. They create numbness in the affected area.
• Hot Packs: Sometimes, hot packs are used to enhance the circulation of blood in the affected area, which in turn helps loosen up the muscle tissues.
• Traction Devices: Under the guidance of your physician, traction devices can be opted for if, there is constant back pain due to muscle spasms. These devices promote unloading of the spine.
• Back Braces: Back braces are suggested by the doctors when the back muscle spasm causes an injury, leading to instability of the spinal column. Soft back braces can protect muscles and prevent oncoming muscle fatigue.
• Nutritional Aid: Body's natural healing process is dependent on the supply of vitamins and minerals through food. Body's defense system works well when there is adequate supply of essential nutrients. A healthy diet promotes quick recovery.
• Medications: You can take over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Acetaminophen. They can lower the pain, but it is better to consult your doctor before. I am sure, you don't want to suffer from the side effects of the medicines.
• Shoes: Ill-fitted shoes can cause spasms and back pain. Check the weight, size and shape of your shoes.
• Posture: Various professions lead to back spasms, as they involve wrong postures. An improper position while working on a computer increases the chances of having back pain due to muscle spasm. You cannot change the profession, but you can be more careful about your posture while working.

As your back supports your body, proper care should be taken to avoid frequent back spasms. The above article may help you get rid of back pain due to muscle spasm, but as usual, 'prevention is better than cure'.