Back spasms are a common affliction.
Most people have experienced them at some time in their lives, but most don’t understand how they occur. They are brought about by weak, inflamed, or damaged muscles. Additionally, dehydration or other medical condition which reduces fluid supply to the muscle tissues (ie: atherosclerosis) can make a person more susceptible to back spasm.
Spasm around the lower back is also known as lower back spasm. It occurs when the muscles surrounding the back, neck, and head become irritated and tight. These tissues may have become stiff due to injury, muscle strain, and muscle imbalances.
Pain that originates in the back area usually starts near the neck and spreads to the upper back and buttocks. The pain usually intensifies with movement or sudden weight shift. Some of the pain can be relieved with anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. A good rule of thumb is to rest after a heavy lifting session or if your job requires you to sit for long periods. If you have pain that only occurs occasionally and without warning, then you may not need to take additional medication.
Many people with back pain are recommended to receive regular physical therapy in order to prevent spasm and pain from returning. A physical therapist will help the patient develop a healthy posture in order to reduce tension and prevent muscle imbalances.
This is a helpful way to treat lower back spasm, which tends to get worse with time. It is also recommended that people avoid excessive lifting because lifting can increase the risk of muscle strain, especially if the muscles are tense. A physical therapist will also help the patient to strengthen weak muscles and stretch the ones that are stiff.
Other muscle relaxant medications may be prescribed in cases where muscle tension is so severe that there is no other solution available. Examples of these medications include anti-depressants and analgesics.
People who suffer from back pain should also stay away from tight clothing which may tighten the muscles around the neck and head. If the pain occurs frequently, then it is important to visit a doctor to determine the cause of the pain and ask for advice on ways to alleviate it.
One option available for treatment is anti-spasm creams that provide temporary relief from pain and may be used for a few days, if not weeks, before seeking further advice from a doctor. Other methods include physiotherapy and spinal cord stimulation (SCS).
Spasm around the neck and back can cause extreme discomfort if it continues for too long, but it is best to seek immediate treatment if pain persists. Seek immediate treatment if the pain becomes unbearable and causes difficulty in breathing, eating, and performing normal daily activities.
If muscle weakness or spasm is causing problems, then you may be advised to take a low dose of a muscle relaxant, and then gradually increase the dosage as you see improvements. For instance, if you find that your pain is particularly severe and causing significant discomfort then taking a small dose of ibuprofen, acetaminophen or an over-the-counter pain reliever may be suggested.
As soon as possible, consult a physician or physiotherapist and discuss your options with them before taking any muscle relaxant for pain relief. You may be able to receive injections to numb the affected area, although this can be dangerous and carry the risk of side effects like vomiting, nausea and vomiting.
Before taking any muscle relaxant medication, you should first consult a physician or pharmacist to find out your maximum allowable dose for muscle relaxant medication. The most common anti-spasm medicines are anti-depressants, analgesics and antidepressants.
Also be aware that muscle relaxant medication can cause undesirable side effects and should not be taken if you have any underlying medical condition, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, and even pregnancy. Seek medical advice if you are experiencing any unusual changes in your behavior, particularly when taking anti-depressants or taking aspirin.