Muscle spasmsin the middle back can often be relieved by stretching.

If that doesn’t help, try hydrotherapyice, moist heat, or a warm bath or shower.

If muscle spasms do not respond to at-home treatments or occur frequently, talk to your healthcare provider.

Woman with side back pain sitting on bed at home - stock photo

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Middle-back muscle spasms can be due to an underlying problem like a herniated disk in the thoracic spine.

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What Causes Mid-Back Spasms?

Back muscle spasms happen when the muscles spontaneously contract and tighten.

These spasms or cramps can vary in intensity from a mild twitch to very sharp and painful.

Muscle spasms can seriously impact quality of life if uncontrolled.

Gallstones, kidney stones, and kidney infections can also cause back pain and muscle spasms.

Loren Fishmen, a physical medicine, and rehabilitation specialist in New York.

(Fishman is also a yoga instructor.)

When back muscles spasm they are hard at work.

It’s a vicious cycle until you’re able to relax the muscle, Dr. Fishmen explained.

These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy.To learn stretching and strengthening exercises specifically for your back muscles.

Other techniques might include electrical stimulation to fatigue the muscles, thereby enabling them to relax.

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