Muscle Spasms In The Back

spinal stenosis

The irregular, abnormal, spontaneous or involuntary contraction of a muscle is known as spasm. Muscle spasms in back areas of the body near the spinal cord or nerve roots can be most painful and in some cases debilitating. The spasms in back muscles can be due to many reasons, and when this happens, the person feels the forcible tightening of the muscle and its surrounding tissues. Injury, an advanced degenerative condition, or in some cases deprivation of oxygen can be causing the muscle spasms.

A person's back is an intricate combination of muscles, bones, and other tissues from the neck to the pelvic area. Some back injuries are caused by working around the house or out in the garden, bending and stretching thereby pulling and damaging muscles and ligaments. Sports can also be a reason for a back injury, or a sudden bump or jolt as when an accident happens. Because of the natural structure of the body, spasms in back muscles happen in the lower portion where the functions of bending and stretching have the most effect on the spine and the muscles surrounding it.

Sprains and strains, herniated discs and fractured vertebrae are among the most common back injuries and causes of patients' complaints. These injuries can limit a person's movement and can be a cause of considerable pain. There are various treatments available but usually recommended are pain medicines, ice packs, bed rest, physical therapy or in extreme cases, surgery. Back injuries can be prevented by being watchful while concentrating on your tasks, maintaining the ideal weight, using care in the lifting of objects, and using lower-back support while sitting. Spasms in back areas can be relieved with hot compresses and special oils and unguents.

A person experiencing muscle spasms in back sections of the torso for the first time will most probably go right to hospital for emergency treatment due to the extreme pain. In some cases, the back pains should not cause a panic attack and may not need emergency treatment because it might respond to rest and go away on its own after a spell. Taking too many pain killers and other pills may make a person dependent on them, so this should be avoided if possible.

Injury that results in back pain conditions may be caused by twisting, pulling or pushing resulting in spasms in back areas of the body. Rigorous exercises may be one of the causes of injury and continuous exercises may sound good for you; but two or three hours of back-breaking exercises will cause torn muscles and tendons. The spine is designed to be resistant to vertical weight and its curves are meant for flexibility. When a person is carrying considerable weight, the spinal curve may temporarily increase to cushion the pressure that is exerted on the vertebrae. By carrying weight on the head, the centre of gravity is concentrated on the spinal axis relieving back muscles of too much strain. Spasms in back muscles are avoided by lessening the strain on your lower back. A disc fissure may warrant surgical procedures because when the fibrous envelope enclosing the disc rips and protruding or slipped disc results, the pain can be debilitating. Muscle spasms in back promontories also happen in these cases where the disc bulge causes pinching of the nerves.

The muscles in the back are some of the strongest and biggest muscles of the body. They are responsible for maintaining posture and balance. When spasms in back muscles happen, and it is not attributed to injury or medical-related physically debilitating conditions, it maybe caused by low oxygen levels in the muscles. This is called ischemia and usually leaves no permanent effect after it has passed. Just relax and breathe...