How To Treat Muscle Spasms In Lower Back?

If you’re dealing with muscle spasms in your lower back, there are a few things you can do to get some relief. First, try applying heat to the area for 20 minutes at a time. You can also try massaging the muscles with an ice pack for 10 minutes at a time. If these methods don’t work, you may need to see a doctor for further treatment.

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What Are the Causes?

There are many possible causes of lower back spasms, but the most common is muscle overuse. This can happen when you’re lifting weights, during pregnancy, or after a car accident. Other common causes include:

  • Sprains and strains: These injuries can be caused by lifting something heavy, sudden movements, or repetitive motions.
  • Spinal disc problems: Herniated discs or degenerative disc disease can put pressure on the spinal nerves and cause pain.
  • Sciatica: This is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed. It can cause pain in the lower back and legs.
  • Arthritis: This degenerative condition can lead to pain and stiffness in the lower back.
  • Fibromyalgia: This chronic condition is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and depression. It can also cause muscle spasms.
  • Stress: Psychological distress can lead to muscle tension and spasms.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose muscle spasms in the lower back, your doctor will start with a physical examination. He or she will feel for any areas of tenderness or spasm in your back muscles. They will also ask about your medical history and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI, to rule out other conditions that could be causing your pain. If your doctor suspects that your muscle spasms are due to an underlying condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, they may refer you to a specialist for further testing.

Treatment for muscle spasms in the lower back usually begins with conservative measures, such as heat therapy, massage, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If these measures do not provide relief, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, such as Muscle relaxants or nerve pain medications. In some cases, injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the affected muscles may be recommended.

If muscle spasms in the lower back are severe and do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended. The type of surgery performed will depend on the underlying cause of the muscle spasms. For example, if herniated discs are causing muscle spasms, a disc replacement or laminectomy (a procedure to remove part of the vertebrae) may be needed.

Treatment

There are many possible causes of lower back spasms, but the most common cause is lifting something heavy or sudden movement. Spasms can also be caused by chronic conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. Treatment for back spasms typically involves pain medication, other drugs, physical therapy, or spinal decompression surgery. In some cases, the cause of the spasm may be due to mental health issues such as stress or anxiety.

Manage It Yourself At Home

Muscle spasms in the lower back can be extremely painful and inconvenient, but there are things you can do at home to manage them. Deep breathing and gentle exercises can help to relax tense muscles and relieve pain. If you have chronic back spasms, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants. You can also use cold or hot packs, which you can purchase online or at your local pharmacy.

Relaxation techniques such as yoga or massage may also help to reduce muscle spasms. If your back spasms are severe, your doctor may recommend injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) to help relieve the pain. Injections are usually given every three to four months.

If home management doesn’t work, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back. Therapy may also include electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and traction.

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat back spasms that don’t respond to other treatments. Surgery is usually only recommended if the cause of the spasms is known and can be corrected surgically. For example, surgery might be an option if the spasms are caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Prevent Lower Back Spasms

It is always possible to prevent lower back spasms. The best way to do this is to maintain good posture and avoid sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods of time. It is also advisable to take regular breaks and to do some light stretching exercises every few hours.

If you are already experiencing lower back spasms, there are a few things that you can do to ease the pain. The first thing is to try some deep breathing exercises and focus on relaxing your muscles. It is also important to find a comfortable position and avoid any activities that may aggravate the pain. If the pain is severe, you may also want to take some over-the-counter pain medication.

There are a few things that you should avoid if you are suffering from lower back spasms. Firstly, you should never try to massage the area as this can actually make the pain worse. Secondly, you should never apply heat directly to the area as this can also cause further irritation. Finally, it is also important to avoid any sudden movements as this can lead to further injury.

How to Relieve & Prevent Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms in the lower back can be very painful and debilitating. There is no definitive cause of back spasms, but they are often related to electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, or overuse of the muscles. Treatment for back spasms typically involves self-care measures such as gentle stretching, bed rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In more severe cases, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or massage may be recommended.

If the exact cause of the muscle spasms can be identified and corrected, this is often the best solution. However, many cases of back spasms are idiopathic, meaning that the cause is unknown. In these cases, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing future episodes.

Self-care measures for the relief of muscle spasms in the lower back include:

  • Applying a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day
  • Soaking in an Epsom salt bath for 15-20 minutes several times a week
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
  • Avoiding foods that may trigger muscle spasms such as caffeine and sugar

Inversion therapy is another self-care measure that may help to relieve symptoms of lower back muscle spasms. This involves hanging upside down for a period of time each day using an inversion table or similar device. This provides gentle decompression of the spine which can help to reduce pain and inflammation.

If self-care measures are not providing adequate relief from symptoms, more aggressive treatments may be necessary. These may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, or massage. Physical therapy typically involves a regular program of exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility. Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine to correct alignment and relieve pressure on nerves and muscles. Massage can help to relax tight muscles and relieve pain.

In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to treat lower back muscle spasms. This may involve prescription medication or injections to reduce inflammation and pain. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back spasms but may be recommended in some cases where other treatments have failed.

Help Your Back Pain With Inverted Decompression

Inverted decompression is a therapeutic technique that may help your back pain by reducing the amount of compression on injured tissue. Inversion therapy involves hanging upside down or at an inverted angle while wearing an inversion table or device. This allows your spine to stretch and decompress, which can take pressure off of your vertebrae, discs, and nerves.

One of the primary causes of back pain is much compression on the spine due to daily activities and poor posture. This compression can limit peripheral circulation and cause the contact forces between vertebrae to increase, leading to inflammation and pain. Orthopedic conditions such as herniated discs, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis can also cause chronic back pain.

There is evidence from medical studies that show the positive effects of inversion therapy on back pain. A 2015 study published in The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that inversion therapy may help reduce muscle spasms in the lower region of the back. The study participants who received inversion therapy had significantly fewer muscle spasms than those who did not receive this type of treatment.

Another study published in The American Journal of Pain Management in 2002 found that inversion therapy may help decrease pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain. The study participants who received inversion therapy had significantly less pain and improved function compared to those who did not receive this type of treatment.

If you’re interested in trying inverted decompression for your back pain, you can purchase an inversion table or device online or at a local retailer. Teeter is a popular brand that makes FDA-registered inversion tables and devices for home use. You should always consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise or treatment program for back pain.

How Teeter Can Help Relieve Back Pain

If you suffer from back pain, you know how debilitating it can be. You may think that the only possible relief from your pain is through surgery or drugs. But there is another option that is not only possible but in many cases, can be even more effective: inversion therapy.

Inversion therapy is a type of treatment where you are suspended upside down for a period of time. This may sound daunting, but it is actually quite easy and comfortable with the help of an inversion table. Inversion therapy has been shown to be helpful in relieving muscle tension and pain, as well as increasing spinal length.

A recent study found that after just two minutes of inversion therapy, there was a significant decrease in EMG activity (a measure of muscle activity) in the lower back muscles. The study participants also reported a decrease in back pain intensity. And after just four weeks of regular inversion therapy sessions, most participants had significant reductions in back pain intensity and disability.

Inversion therapy is a simple, non-invasive way to treat back pain and improve spinal health. And with an inversion table, you can even do it in the comfort of your own home!

Teeter® For Muscle Spasms

Spine Institute NY