Back spasms can be triggered by overuse or poor posture.
Sometimes even stress and anxiety or a lack of physical exercise might be the cause.
Many people describe low back pain or sciatica as a tight muscle or back spasm.
Verywell / Matthew Collins
Verywell / Matthew Collins
What Is a Back Spasm?
A back spasm is a sudden onset of back tightness.
Some people with back spasms have difficulty bending forward due to the pain and tightness.
Symptoms
Most episodes of back spasms may last for several hours up to several days.
What Causes of Back Spasms?
Back spasms are resulting from tight muscle tissue.
But this tightness often occurs as a result of some other mechanical stress.
The stress produces a situation in your body where the muscle tissue near your spine becomes pulled abnormally.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors for lower back spasms.
Some of these are modifiable, while others cannot be changed.
There is no harm in having a discussion about your spasms with your healthcare provider.
It is a medical emergency and you should get to your healthcare provider or emergency department right away.
With an accurate diagnosis, the right treatment can be initiated for your back spasms.
Back Spasms Treatment
Treatment for back spasms may include home remedies or treatments from medical providers.
The treatments are designed torelieve your back spasmsand manage the mechanical stresses that may have caused your spasms.
Medical professionals can also teach you strategies to prevent back spasms.
Minor back spasms usually resolve themselves within a few weeks of rest.
People with injuries that persist longer should seek help from a medical provider.
Prevention
Preventing back spasms is important, especially if you have suffered from spasms in the past.
Summary
There are many possible causes of back spasms.
Persistent or severe back spasms may require help from your physician or other medical professional.
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