If you are suffering from back spasms, your symptoms can range from annoying twitching to painful muscle guarding (muscles that have stiffened). While stretching out the affected area may relieve minor spasms, you should seek further help if you are in pain or the issue isn't getting better. Here are some questions you may have about back spasms
What causes back spasms? Muscle spasms are often caused by electrolyte imbalances or dehydration—these types of spasms are often seen in calves and eyelids. Back spasms can be caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances too, but many are caused by muscle fatigue or overuse.
For instance, if you haven't worked out in a long time and lifted heavy weights, then you could suffer spasms. Even if you are in good shape, you could still get spasms if you lifted without proper form.
Some people can experience spasms as a side effect of a health condition. For instance, those with arthritis, not only suffer from joint swelling, they may suffer from muscle tightness which can turn into spasms.
How can you relieve the pain?
Over-the-counter pain relievers or NSAIDs can help reduce pain and swelling. If your muscle spasms were caused by exercise, make sure that you take a break from those activities for adequate healing.
Alternating ice and heat on your back can help a lot. Ice is good to relieve any initial swelling. Heat increases circulation and blood flow, so muscle guarding will decrease.
How can a chiropractor help?
If you aren't feeling any better, then you should seek out the care of a chiropractor. Muscle spasms can cause you to hold your body in improper postures to compensate and relieve pain. Sometimes nerves can actually become impinged and worsen your muscle spasms.
With spinal manipulation or cervical manipulation, however, a chiropractor can realign everything and relieve nerve pressure. When your range of motion and joint mobility is restored, then muscle spasms will decrease.
Some chiropractors are trained in massage techniques which can be used to relieve muscle guarding. While the body uses muscle guarding to protect itself and "splint" an area that's been hurt, too much muscle guarding can cause pain. Massage can loosen these muscles and encourage the flow of blood and the removal of metabolic waste.
Lastly, your chiropractor can teach you safe stretches to relieve your back pain on your own. Your chiropractor and primary care provider can work together to help you restore your activity level.
Contact a chiropractor in your area for more help.
Share7 November 2018
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