Understanding and Treating Muscle Spasm
Back Spasms are Frequently the Body’s Reaction to a Muscle Injury
Sep 11, 2009
The back is a complex anatomical structure combining many different types of tissue. The spine is made up of individual vertebrae that are linked together by intervertebral discs, a complex configuration of ligaments, and muscle attachments. Any one of these structures can be injured invoking the protective mechanism of the muscle spasm.
The terms “thrown my back out” are frequently used by people who have injured their backs. The back cannot technically be thrown anywhere. It is more likely that the person has strained one of his back muscles and that the individual is experiencing muscle spasms.
Immediate medical care must be sought if a more serious injury is suspected. Any back injury that elicits neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, tingling) or extreme pain must be considered a serious injury and will need emergency medical care.
Movement of the back is a function of the combined movements of each motion segment (vertebrae, intervertebral disc, vertebrae) by the muscles that move them. When the muscles of the back are flexible and strong, movement occurs easily. When they are tight and weak, movement will be limited.
Understanding the Muscle Spasm
The muscles in the back are unique in their ability to spasm. When there is an injury to a structure within the back area, the muscles of the back can spasm to effectively splint the injured area. The spasm creates tightness in and around the injured area. This tightness and pain created by the spasm naturally limit the movement available in the injured area.
A muscle spasm in the back is a sign that there is something wrong. If an individual with a muscle spasm responds quickly to the spasm with appropriate rest and treatment, the muscle spasm will reduce in intensity and gradually dissipate.
However, a small muscle spasm can gradually increase in size and intensity if the individual tries to push through the pain. A small muscle spasm located in the lower right side of the back can gradually move up the back to the thoracic and even cervical muscles and cross over to include the muscles on the left side effectively splinting the entire back rendering the individual completely immobile.
The back area is the one section of the body wherein the body will anatomically splint itself. Trying to push through the pain of muscle spasm will only make the spasms more intense. When muscle spasm occurs, immediate treatment is indicated.
Muscle spasms can be gradual onset or can occur immediately after a quick move that may have strained a back muscle. If there is immediate tightness on one side in the back after a bend or twisting move, it is a good possibility that a muscle is in spasm.
Treatment of a Muscle Spasm
To relieve the muscle spasm, the individual needs to rest the area. The difficulty in relaxing the muscles of the back is that the only position that allows the muscles to relax is lying down. When the body is lying down, the muscles do not have to be contracted and can therefore relax. Any other body position (including sitting) needs some type of co-contraction of the trunk muscles. As long as the muscles are active, they cannot rest and recover.
Heat is an effective modality for relaxing muscles. Both wet and dry heat can be effective with relaxing the muscles in the back. If a heating pad is used, take care not to overheat the pad causing possible burns to the skin. The pad should be warm and comfortable. Apply the pad throughout the day if possible.
As the pain and tightness begins to subside, the individual can gradually increase his activity level. Once movement is pain free, a stretching and strengthening program should be undertaken to prevent muscle spasms from reoccurring in the future. Muscles that are flexible and strong will be less likely to spasm.
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