When a muscle spasms, it’s your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. It could be a sign of a minor issue, or it could suggest a larger underlying problem. Below, we take a closer look at some of the more common reasons why you may develop muscle spasms in your back, and how to best treat them and any underlying conditions that may be causing the spasm.
Causes Of Spinal Muscle Spasms
Spinal muscle spasms can develop for a variety of reasons, some of which are more serious than others. For many patients, they experience muscle spasms as a result of a minor issue, but that doesn’t mean you should assume your muscle spasm is no big deal. You’ll have a better idea as to the significance of your muscle spasm based on how it responds to treatment, but more on that later. For now, let’s look at some of the common reasons spinal muscle spasms develop:
Causes of spinal muscle spasms can include:
- Overexertion
- Dehydration
- Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies
- Being held in the same position for long periods
- Underlying anatomical problems
The first four points listed above are typically considered mild because their treatment strategies are rather straightforward. For example, muscle spasms as a result of overexertion may resolve with rest or improved training regimens to prepare the body for physical activity. Staying hydrated and ensuring you get enough vitamins and nutrients from your diet are great ways to manage the next two causes of spinal muscle spasms. Finally, if you start to get muscle spasms at the office or after sitting on the couch for an extended period, get up and move around to help the muscles relax and get the blood they need to function properly.
The final bullet point is one that requires a little more medical attention. If your back spasm can’t be traced to the other causes and fails to resolve with normal conservative treatments, it may be a sign of an underlying anatomical issue. Some spinal problems that could lead to regular spinal muscle spasms include degenerative disc disease, facet joint osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis or a bulging or herniated disc. All of these issues can shift how pressure or stability is maintained in your spine, and this can overwork muscles and lead to regular spasms.
If you suspect that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to your spinal muscle spasms, or if you’ve tried conservative care options and failed to find relief, consider reaching out to a spinal specialist like Dr. Chang. He’ll be able to take a closer look at your whole spine to determine which factors may be contributing to your spasms. From there, he’ll develop and walk you through a treatment plan that should help to reduce or eliminate your spasms once and for all. For more information, or for help with any of your spine care needs, reach out to Dr. Chang’s office today.