Where Are My Back Spasms Coming From?

At Park Physical Therapy, we commonly treat patients who are suffering from back pain. One of the more common back conditions that many people deal with is muscle spasms. Our orthopedic physical therapy in Massapequa offers many services that can help ease the pain associated with back spasms.

What Are Back Spasms?

A muscle spasm is an involuntary muscle contraction that occurs unexpectedly and painfully. This condition often ranges in severity and can typically be treated with various methods. Symptoms tend to include:

- Tightness in the back

- Backaches

- Muscle weakness

- Stiffness of the spine

Pain, numbness or tingling in the back

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, orthopedic physical therapy in Massapequa can help treat your back spasms.

Causes:

Even though it is a common condition, muscle spasms do not have a single cause. There are many things that can trigger a spasm such as:

Response to an underlying problem

- - Nerve problems such as sciatica or diabetes can cause spasms. This is due to damage in the nerves that carry signals to the back.
- Herniated or ruptured discs and arthritis can also lead to back spasms due to muscle weakness.

Injury to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back

- Injuries such as sprains or strains can cause muscle spasms to occur in the back.

Excessive strain due to physical activities

- - Sports such as golf or tennis can result in muscle spasms because of the constant demand they put on your back to turn and twist repeatedly.
- - This can also occur when you try a new exercise or overuse your muscles during your workout.
- Note: Typically spasms due to activity only last a few days.

Poor Posture

- If you have poor posture, you are putting a strain on your back muscles that could be causing your painful spasms. Try sitting up straighter and keeping your chin up to avoid these cramps.

Treatment:

There are plenty of ways to manage back pain:

- Apply hot and cold packs alternately to the area

- Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing

Stretching, walking, and performing other gentle exercises that do not strain the back.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

At Park Physical Therapy, we offer orthopedic physical therapy in Massapequa that provides services such as massage techniques, temperature therapy (ice or heat), stretching, and strengthening exercises. These treatments are effective methods to help treat back spasms and reduce the pain that they cause. If you are suffering from back spasms and are interested in learning more about the treatment methods offered by our orthopedic physical therapy in Massapequa, contact us today!