Why You Get Low Back Spasms

​Back pain can often be accompanied by muscle spasms. It can range from a mild discomfort to a sharp pain. You may be wondering, “why do I get muscle spasms in my low back? Are my back spasms serious? How do I stop these painful back spasms?”

​Why Do I Get Back Spasms?

Back spasms are a protective mechanism. For example, maybe you hurt yourself while lifting a heavy load. Your body will temporarily see the act of bending over as a threat. The muscles will tighten up (increase their tone) to prevent you from bending over again.

Another common reason for back spasms are tightness of the hip flexor muscles. This is usually associated with an anterior pelvic tilt and excessive arch in the low back. One of the hip flexor muscles, the psoas, attaches to the front of the spinal bones (vertebrae). Our spines want to find stability and if they are being pulled on from the front, then the back muscles will tighten up to counteract that pulling and even out the forces.

Here are some reasons that you could develop back spasms:

• Muscle strain
• Facet joint osteoarthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Herniated disc
• Core weakness

Have you gotten access to our free “7 Tips for Fixing Back Pain and Staying Active”?
Click the button below to read it now!

Read Now!

​Are Back Spasms Serious?

The good news is that back spasms are not serious and most back pain associated with them are mechanical and can be treated with rest (from any aggravating activities), activity (i.e. walking, any other activities you can tolerate), or physical therapy.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, then contact your physician as soon as possible:

• Changes in bowel or bladder function
• Numbness or tingling in the groin
• Pain that keeps you up all night
• Unexplained weight loss/gain

​How to Get Rid of Back Spasms?

​Back spasms are just a symptom of your low back episode. Determining the cause of your low back pain and treating the root cause will take care of any muscle spasms. It is important to be evaluated by a low back expert and provided with an active recovery plan. Especially if back pain has become a recurring issue for you.

​Do you struggle with low back pain that affects your ability to exercise, productivity at work, or prevents you from joining in on family activities? We can help you! Click the link below to request a Free Discovery Visit. We will tell you what is causing your back pain and how we will help you get control of your life again!

Claim My Free Discovery Visit!