We used to associate back pain with adults and old people but do you know that even a kid as young as 7 can complain of back pain? One of the myths that needs to be debunked is that back pain only occurs in grownups. Back pain can happen to any age. Ironically, 75% causes of back pain are not known or unidentified. Only 25% causes are identifiable which are defects to the bone, muscle disorder or injury, cancer patients, stones along the urinary system or kidney and incorrect postures. Psychological factors such as stress may also cause back pain. In this DoctorOnCall’s article, we will be learning more about back spasms that are often associated with back pain.
A back muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of one or more muscles along the spine. Spasms in the muscle of the back can be triggered by issues within the muscles itself. Such triggers act as a response to the level of strain that is placed upon the back. It can also be caused by non-muscle related problems such as nerve damage, back or neck injuries such as strains or sprains and spinal disorders such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc or spinal osteoarthritis. Most often, back spasm is caused by poor posture and muscle weakness due to a sedentary lifestyle. Funnily, stress and anxiety can be the cause of back spasms as the muscle tensed unconsciously or high levels of adrenaline.
There are risk factors that make a person more prone to have back spasm. When a person has any of the risks, they are likely to experience back spasm. Risk factors include poor sitting posture, older age, bone weakening disease, obesity or excessive body weight, psychological condition, emotional stress, frequent heavy lifting and smoking.
Back spasm often feels like tight muscle and at times the tight sensation becomes so intense that it may lead to movement restrictions. Some may have difficulty bending forward as a result of intense pain or tightness. Back spasm may last from several hours to several days. Common symptoms include pain in one or both sides of the back, tight sensation of the back, difficulty bending the spine and pulsing pain in the back. Back spasm may lead to pain in the hips or buttocks area. In severe cases, it can lead to numbness and tingling sensation radiating down to the arm or legs. Muscle weakness may also occur which can be seen with the inability to properly hold the back in an upright position.
In most cases, back spasm may go aways on its own but some cases may need a person to get medical advice for proper treatment, Symptoms that signify a person with back spasm to get medical attention is when the back spasm occur after a significant trauma, back spasm with nerve issues such as tingling or numbness, back spasm that lead to difficulty urination or bowel movement, back spasm with fever or within few weeks of unintentional weight loss and back spasm that does not improve within 2 weeks of rest.
When back spasm occurs, the initial treatment is important to make the muscle relax and ultimately relieve the pain. Initial treatment includes a short period of rest before tolerating simple activities such as short gentle walks. Using cold packs or cold patches to the back can help reduce pain and ease the spasm. Remember to make sure to avoid direct skin contact with ice as this may lead to other skin problems. Last but not least, take painkillers. Those with gastric issues or upset stomachs should ask for painkillers from the doctor for a less irritative option.
Prevention is always better than cure. Although it may be impossible to completely avoid back spasm, there are ways that can be done to prevent the likelihood of back spasm. Below are what you can do to prevent back spasm:
- Postural correction techniques
- Pay attention to body posture
- Engaging in exercises especially aerobic one
- Perform daily stretching and strengthening exercise of the back muscle
- Learn to de-stress and take stress management such as meditation or yoga
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Safe lifting and carrying by squatting first and ensure the heavy object you are about to carry is close to the body before standing up.
- Invest in good mattress
Back spasm is a condition that almost everyone will experience at some point of their life. Back spasms that occur on a regular basis should warrant a visit to the doctor. Back spasm is often triggered by overuse of the muscle and muscle injuries. Back spasm should only last for a few days and if it persists more than 2 weeks even with rest and painkillers, this should be a serious issue in need for further examination by a doctor. Back spasm can be prevented and should not be considered as a normal occurrence although everyone will have it.
