Back Spasms and How to Treat Them

Back spasms are most often accompanied by backache. Backache though is more manageable than back spasms because spasms indicate injury to the muscle. The backlash happens when you cannot adapt readily to treatment and have to shift from one mode to another, to find one treatment that works for you. Spasms occur when the muscles are injured and continue to contract with.

You may want to try these different methods and observe what is effective for your back spasms.

Ice Pack

Apply an ice pack to the affected area every 10 minutes for at least 30 minutes, 3 times a day. Be sure that the ice does not allow direct skin contact because this may cause harm. Wrap it with a clean, soft cloth to prevent this from happening. The ice pack will help stabilize the muscles and reduce inflammation or swelling.

Hot Packs

After 72 hours, you can now apply hot packs. Apply just like the ice pack. Do not allow the hot pack to remain for in one stationary area longer than 1 minute. Keep moving it around the affected area to prevent scalding the skin. Use also a clean soft towel to prevent direct contact with skin. The hot pack will promote healing of the injured muscles.

Stretching Exercises

You can perform slow back and leg stretches when the spasms have subsided. Go easy on the exercises though. You would not want to experience DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) later for sure. Do this by slowly raising your arm as you inhale, and then slowly lowering them, as you exhale. You can do this up to 20 to 30 times. You can also do some light-weight lifting just to stretch your back muscles.

Elevate Your Legs

At night, you can elevate your legs to reduce pressure on your back. Elevating the legs will also reduce varicose veins and pain in the legs. It will also promote good circulation in the body promoting good health.

Rest

The body needs rest. Sufficient rest will heal the body and allow body cells to repair themselves. That is why sleep is crucial. If you do not have enough sleep the body becomes sluggish and soon all of your body functions would deteriorate, including the state of your muscles at the back.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

You can use anti-inflammatory drugs in cases where you are not relieved by any of these methods. Ascertain that you are not allergic to any of the components of the drug before you ingest it. This can relieve the pain and inflammation.

Physical Therapy

In the hands of an expert physical therapist, you can get rid of the spasms altogether. You may want to consult a physiatrist to ensure that you are given the most effective treatment.

Your back spasms can be managed and cured altogether if you know what technique is effective for you.