BACK SPASMS

If you suffer from severe back pain or believe you might have a spine fracture, please schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

A 2D diagram of the back muscles with various parts labeled.

What are Back Spasms?

Back spasms occur when muscles in the back suddenly tighten or contract, causing sharp pain that can make movement difficult. These involuntary muscle contractions often stem from overuse, strain, or underlying spinal conditions such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease. While back spasms can be excruciating, most cases respond well to conservative care.

What Causes Back Spasms?

Common triggers include lifting heavy objects, poor posture, muscle fatigue, dehydration, or prolonged sitting. Sometimes, spasms develop due to nerve irritation caused by spinal problems, such as spinal stenosis or sciatica. Understanding the underlying cause helps your provider determine the most effective treatment and prevent future recurrences.

 

Back Spasms Treatment

Treatment for back spasms focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring healthy muscle function.

 

Conservative Care

Most patients start with non-invasive methods:

  • Rest and activity modification: Avoid strenuous movement and allow muscles time to relax.

  • Cold and heat therapy: Apply ice during the first 24–48 hours to reduce inflammation, then switch to heat to improve circulation and loosen tight muscles.

  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce discomfort. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or short-term anti-inflammatory medications.

  • Physical therapy: Customized exercises improve flexibility, core strength, and posture while correcting muscle imbalances that contribute to spasms.

 

Advanced or Chronic Cases

When back spasms persist or stem from an underlying spinal condition, additional treatments may be recommended:

  • Trigger point injections or epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation.

  • Chiropractic care or manual therapy to improve alignment and relieve muscle tension.

  • Lifestyle modifications, such as ergonomic adjustments, hydration, and stress management, can help prevent recurrence.

 

Back Spasms Recovery

Recovery from back spasms depends on the cause and severity of the episode. Most people begin feeling better within a few days, but complete recovery can take several weeks when spasms are linked to chronic muscle strain or spinal issues.

During recovery:

  • Gradually reintroduce movement through low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or gentle stretching.

  • Continue physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility.

  • Use heat therapy as needed to relax tight muscles and increase blood flow.

  • Maintain good posture and core stability to minimize stress on the spine.

For long-term recovery, your provider may recommend ergonomic assessments at work or home, ongoing strength and mobility training, and regular checkups to ensure proper spine alignment. Staying consistent with these strategies not only helps relieve pain but also reduces the risk of future episodes.

 

When to Seek Medical Care

Consult an orthopedic specialist if you experience severe back pain that doesn’t improve after a few days, radiates down the legs, or occurs with numbness or weakness. Persistent or recurrent back spasms may indicate an underlying spinal condition requiring professional evaluation.

If you have any questions for our Texas-based orthopedic specialists, please call us at 817-697-4038 or contact us online. Telemedicine appointments are also available.