Low Back Pain Muscle Spasms

Almost everyone at some point will experience a bout of low back pain. Whether it was because of an overly strenuous workout or a simple bend and twist movement as you picked something up, back spasms can be debilitating and frustrating!

There are several reasons a back spasm may occur, such as:

1. Abdominal or pelvic floor muscle weakness

2. Repetitively straining your back with a particular movement

3. Overloading your spine (e.g. lifting something heavy)

4. Disc bulge or herniation

5. Arthritis

When a back spasm happens, the most important thing is to not panic.

Take long, deep breaths to keep the tension in your body under control – this will help you with the pain and also with recovering faster. Find the most comfortable position that does not trigger your spasm and if tolerated, apply some ice to the area for 15 minutes every 3 hours for the first day or two. Try to see a physiotherapist as soon as you are able to tolerate some amount of movement. The physio will provide you with some manual therapy for the pain and advise you on how to slowly get back up and moving again with some gentle exercises and stretches. Remember – even though it can feel like the end of the world, the spasm won’t last forever!

If you need a professional to assess your back-pain, SV Mobile offers in-home physiotherapy services in Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and the GTA.