Back Spasms

Back Spasms

Spinal StressMany people will at some stage in their lives experience the pain and discomfort of a lower back spasm.

It often occurs when you least expect it and leaves you wondering what on earth has caused such a debilitating pain in your lower back.

Furthermore back spasms are not always selective which means that active as well as sedentary people can experience this excrutiating back pain.

6 Causes of Back Spasms

1. Spinal Stress

A back spasm usually affects the lower back muscles rather than the middle to upper back muscles of the torso and are often the result of an injury or inflammation of the spinal area or the spine itself.

It is also thought that the spasm is the body’s response to protect and immobolize the spine from further aggravation.

2. Weak Abdominal Muscles

Weak abdominal muscles often cause more strain and stress to be placed on the spine which can cause injury and subsequently a lower back spasm to isolate the spine from further stress or injury.

So over exertion with weak abdominal muscles will likely result in a back spasm to prevent further damage.

3. Overuse Injuries

Sportsmen may be prone to this type of condition through repetitive motion injuries or chronic overuse injuries.

For instance the repetitive motion of a golfer’s swing could eventually cause spinal inflammation and injury or damage to the vertebrae or spinal discs & ligaments which will trigger a back muscle spasm as a protective measure.

4. Weak Lower Back Muscles

People with weak back muscles will also be prone to this injury as extra strain will be placed on the spine for instance when lifting something heavy or perform any type of movements that could place stress on the spine.

5. Posture

Poor posture is another cause of lower back pain as it can cause the back muscles to be over strained in trying to maintain spinal stability.

6. Slipped Discs & Other Spinal Conditions

Slipped DiscSlipped discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, aging, degenerative discs, compression fractures, spinal tumours and infections are other common causes of lower back pain.

If you have any of these symptoms you should seek out professional diagnosis before embarking on any exercise regime.

It’s interesting to note that lower back spasms affect up to 90% of Americans at some point in their lives.

Also, back pain is arguably second only to the common cold as a cause of lost days at work & is one of the most common reasons for going to the doctor.

Furthermore, the cause of recurring back pain is frequently the result of inadequate muscle strength, shortened muscles, poor posture, being overweight & poor bending and lifting techniques.

Apart from injuries, these are all factors that can be controlled & relief from back pain can be achieved as the body usually responds very well to the correct treatment…