Suffering From Back Spasms? Here's What You Need To Know

Suffering From Back Spasms? Here’s What You Need To Know

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment options, and guidance specific to your situation.

Experiencing sudden, involuntary muscle contractions in your lower back? Backspasms can disrupt your daily activities and affect your overall well-being. These episodes often stem from muscle fatigue, overuse, or underlying issues within the spine, among other things.

Knowing the causes, identifying the risk factors, and exploring practical relief options are all part of a well-rounded approach to managing back spasms when they occur.

Prevalence and Impact

Back discomfort is a global issue that affects hundreds of millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 619 million individuals worldwide experienced low back discomfort in 2020, and that number is expected to reach 843 million by 2050 as populations age and grow.[1]

Within the United States, the picture is similarly concerning. Data suggests that around 65 million adults have had a recent episode of back pain, with 16 million reporting ongoing, chronic symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.[2]

This makes back pain one of the most common reasons for missing work and reduced productivity. The financial burden is mounting, from direct healthcare expenses to lost wages and disability claims.[3]

Beyond that, the psychological and emotional toll can also be considerable. Back pain or spasms can lead to frustration, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, creating a cycle that perpetuates the condition. Recognizing the extent of the problem brings into focus the urgent need for better solutions.[4]

Risk Factors for Back Spasms

Multiple factors may increase your risk of experiencing back spasms. Age can be a main component. As people grow older, muscle elasticity and spinal integrity often decline. The natural aging process can also involve degenerative changes in discs and joints that make the back more prone to spasms.[5]

Gender may play a part, too. Research indicates that women are statistically more likely than men to report episodes of back discomfort.[6] Hormonal shifts, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, may influence spinal mechanics and muscle stability.

Certain occupations may also make people more prone to experiencing back spasms. Professions that require heavy lifting, bending, or twisting can push muscles beyond their usual limits. On the other end of the spectrum, sedentary jobs may also lead to muscle imbalances that set the stage for spasms. If your core and back muscles become weak from inactivity, even simple movements may cause strain.

Inadequate physical activity may add to these problems. A sedentary lifestyle reduces blood flow, decreases muscle endurance, and impairs flexibility. Over time, this deconditioning can cause the muscles surrounding the spine to weaken, making them more susceptible to sudden contractions.[7]

Even stress can be a trigger. Emotional tension often manifests physically, which leads to tightened muscles and a higher likelihood of spasms during or after stressful periods.

Ways to Find Relief from Back Spasms

Although back spasms tend to come on suddenly, there are simple ways to manage discomfort and potentially reduce their frequency. Always consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment.

  • Gentle stretching helps loosen tight muscles, which may offer temporary relief in the event of back spasms.[8]
  • Heat therapy (such as a warm compress or heating pad) can relax muscles and improve circulation.[9]
  • Cold therapy may help in acute cases. Some people find alternating hot and cold packs effective.
  • Staying adequately hydrated helps support muscle function. Dehydration can increase the risk of cramping.[10]
  • Maintaining good posture by sitting upright and adjusting chairs, desks, and sleep setups may benefit overall alignment.
  • Using support like cushions or a firm mattress may help reduce strain on your spine.

Massage therapy may also be beneficial. Targeted muscle manipulation can release knots and improve blood circulation. For recurring spasms, working with a physical therapist might be an option worth exploring.

These professionals can help identify weak muscle groups and guide you through exercises that build strength and stability. Always consult a physician before seeking massage therapy to relieve back spasms, as incorrect technique or excess pressure may not be appropriate for your situation.

How Theraworx® Can Help You

If you need fast-acting temporary pain relief, the Theraworx® Maximum Strength Pain Relief Roll-On is a good option. Its no-mess, no-touch design makes it simple to apply so you can get back to feeling comfortable.

Theraworx® Maximum Strength Pain Relief is made with lidocaine HCl 4%. Not only does it help with pain relief, but it also moisturizes and helps protect the skin. Theraworx® Maximum Strength Pain Relief Roll-on is safe to use on a daily basis for up to 7 consecutive days. Consult your physician if your pain continues for more than seven days.

Supporting Your Journey to Feeling Better

Experiencing back spasms can interrupt your day and lower your quality of life, but the road to relief doesn’t have to be complicated. From smart lifestyle choices to easy-to-apply products like Theraworx®, there are multiple ways to tackle this concern.

You can stay active by taking action early, paying attention to warning signs, and creating a care routine that includes proper movement, hydration, and support from topical pain products like Theraworx®

References:

  1. World Health Organization. (2020). Low back pain. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain.
  2. Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. “Chronic Back Pain.” Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, n.d. https://hpi.georgetown.edu/backpain/.
  3. 3. Fatoye, F. (2023). Clinical and economic burden of low back pain in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. BMJ Open, 13(4), e064119. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064119
  4. Goossens, Z., Bilterys, T., Van Looveren, E., Malfliet, A., Meeus, M., Danneels, L., … Mairesse, O. (2024). The role of anxiety and depression in shaping the sleep–pain connection in patients with nonspecific chronic spinal pain and comorbid insomnia: A cross‑sectional analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(5), 1452. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051452
  5. 5. Li, Z., Cao, G., Pan, F., Yu, M., & Zhou, F. (2012). Natural history of the aging spine. European Spine Journal, 21(S6), S8–S14. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3591827/
  6. Lucas, JW, Connor, EM, and Bose, J. “Back, Lower Limb, and Upper Limb Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019.” NCHS Data Brief, no. 415 (2021): Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:107894.
  7. Park, J. H., Moon, J. H., Kim, H. J., Kong, M. H., & Oh, Y. H. (2020). Sedentary lifestyle: Overview of updated evidence of potential health risks. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 41(6), 365–373. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.20.0165
  8. Physio-Pedia. (2022). Back exercises: knee‑to‑chest stretch, cat‑cow stretch, and more. Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Back_Exercises
  9. 9. Matsumoto, T., Oka, H., Igari, T., Kasahara, R., Kubo, S., Okada, K., … Tanaka, S. (2021). A role for superficial heat therapy in the management of non-specific mild-to-moderate low back pain in current clinical practice: A narrative review. Pain and Therapy, 10(2), 601–635. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-021-00279-0
  10. Jung, A. P., Bishop, P. A., Al-Nawwas, A., & Dale, R. B. (2005). Influence of hydration and electrolyte supplementation on incidence and time to onset of exercise-associated muscle cramps. Article retrieved from PubMed Central.
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