A staggering 80% of the American population will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Unlike common dull or aching pains, back spasms come on with little to no warning and can cause anywhere from minor discomfort to pain. These spasms can signify small-caliber problems like muscle sprains, or they can indicate a more serious spinal issue.
Whatever their cause, back spasms are often painful and even debilitating for some. Thankfully, there are several at-home and low-cost treatments to help relieve back spasms. Read on to learn how to relieve back spasms when they strike.
What is a back spasm and should you be concerned? According to Healthline, a back spasm is “the involuntary tensing or contracting of muscles in the lower back.” The experience can range from minor painful, ongoing spasms which can restrict movement.
Common symptoms of a back spasm include:
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may be a back spasm. Typically, your back might be reacting to activities that cause strain on your muscles, such as a new exercise regime. However, they can occasionally be indicative of a larger issue.
Back spasms can come on seemingly out of nowhere and can be alarming. However, not all back spasms are cause for great concern. The most common causes of back spasms can be divided into two categories:
Usually, these spasms will subside after one or two weeks of gentle, traditional treatments.
Read more about muscle strains in our article Repetitive Strain Injuries: What They Are, and How to Avoid Them.
Back spasms can come on fast and the pain can be crippling. Finding pain relief for back spasms quickly is important to getting you back on your feet and back to normal life. Some common methods for how to help back spasms include:
Cold therapy is recommended for flare-ups of acute or newly occurring pain, including back spasms.
Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15 to 20 minute increments with around two hours of rest time in between applications.
You can also alternate heat and cold on your back. Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation, while heat therapy can help support healthy blood flow.
Painful muscle spasms can make it difficult to go about basic daily activities or move at all. Instead of pushing through the pain, listen to what your body is telling you. Stay home and take it easy, avoid bending or twisting, and engage in gentle walking once you feel able. Pushing yourself when you are experiencing pain could exacerbate injury and delay recovery.
Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and muscle relaxers can relieve symptoms and reduce pain. NSAIDS are sold over the counter, but you’ll need a prescription for muscle relaxers. Other back pain sufferers have had success treating their pain with injections of anti-inflammatory medications (cortisone).
Talk to your doctor about all of the aforementioned options if you are interested in trying them.
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Read more about how CBD can aid in muscle recovery in our article How to Reduce Muscle Aches and Soreness.
Back spasms have many causes and are a common occurrence for many people, but they don’t have to keep you down. Find temporary backache relief and get back to your daily life quickly by combining conventional methods such as cold therapy and rest with temporary CBDMEDIC™ pain relief.
To learn more about how CBD can improve everyday wellness browse our CBD products, read our article on CBD for Inflammation, or contact Charlotte’s Web directly.
