Muscle spasm is one of the things that I most commonly see lots of conditions can have associated muscle spasm. As a specialist in muscle joint and trapped nerve type problems it is my job to ask, ‘why is this muscle in spasm’. Often people will think that the spasm itself is the root cause, and yes this may be causing a lot of the pain but the real question is ‘why is this muscle in spasm?’ If you address the underlying issue, then the muscle spasm will not need to be there.
Causes in the low back
There are many different causes of muscle spasm. Take for example spasm in the low back. This can be caused by a ligament sprain in one of the small ligaments around the joints in the spine. This can be caused by many things but the most common reason I find is bending and twisting whilst lifting. Another cause of muscle spasm in the low back could be damage to the disc in the lower lumbar spine. This damage could be a slipped disc. In this instance the body contracts certain muscles to prevent the body going into the positions that aggravate the disc. This is what we call an antalgic posture. An antalgic posture with can also be caused by inflammation in the joints of the low back. All of these problems can cause the same sort of muscle spasm but all have different associated healing times.
Treatment of muscle spasm
The treatment all depends on the cause. Understanding what is causing the muscle spasm is the most important thing. With acute onset, anything less than 72 hours I’d say, ice is a very effective tool. No matter what the underlying cause ice helps to relax inflammation and therefore can ease the spasm by easing the underlying cause. When using an ice pack, you want to apply it for ten minutes, take it off for twenty, and apply it for another ten. Make sure that you do not apply the ice pack directly to the skin as this can cause an ice burn, ensure you wrap it up first.
Many other things can help including massage, chiropractic, physiotherapy, osteopathy, exercise, medication and rest. To know what is best, is to identify the root cause which means being assessed by a specialist such as a chiropractor, who is a specialist in muscle, joint and trapped nerve type problems.
What should I do if my back goes into spasm
If your back was to go into spasm the first thing to do will be to get some ice on it. Do as said above with regards to how and repeat often is key in those early stages. Try to keep moving, as long as it is not too painful, and rest too. Regular little walks and regular little rests.
The most important thing, especially if you have had episodes like this in the past, is to get it checked out properly. This is to find out what the best plan going forwards is and if there is anything that can be done to prevent this kind of problem in the future.
If you have muscle spasm and have any questions then feel free to ring Lushington Chiropractic in Eastbourne on 01323 722499.
Yours in health,
Mykel Mason, your Eastbourne chiropractor.
Want to find out more about low back pain?
We have a huge variety of blogs on low back pain. If you’ve found this blog helpful and would like to find out more, then please check out one of our other blogs on low back pain below.
General advice and self-help advice
Muscle spasm in the lower back
Do Chiropractors Treat Back Pain
Do I need acupuncture or a chiropractor to treat my lower back pain?
New NICE guidelines recommend chiropractic techniques for the lower back pain and sciatica
Stretching and exercises
Chiropractor’s Basic Stretches for Lower Back and Pelvic Pain
Karen’s Top Tips For coping with back pain
Chiropractic Advice for Women Suffering Back Ache
Simple Exercises for Low Back Pain part 1
Simple Exercises for Low Back Pain part 2
Posture and Low Back Pain
Anterior pelvic tilt and correction: Part one
Anterior pelvic tilt and correction: Part two
Sleeping and Low Back Pain
Best Sleeping Position for my Back and neck
What is the Best Sleeping Position for my Back Pain?
Gardening and Low Back Pain
Common gardening mistakes that are bad for your back
A chiropractor’s guide to protecting the back when gardening
Tips to prevent back ache when gardening
Are you losing your dog in the grass? How to avoid back strains from gardening
Back pain in the elderly
Tackling Back Pain – Do older people just accept back pain?
Related
Archives
Call now 01323 722499
You must be logged in to post a comment.