Back Spasms Causes

One of the biggest components of lower back pain is muscles spasms in the lower back. Back spasms can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and are actually a very common complaint. There are a variety of back spasms causes that you need to take into account before you can begin treatment.

Here are some of the common causes of back spasms.

Injury or Trauma: A strain or a sprain to the muscle is one of the most common causes of back spasms. There are a lot of muscles and ligaments which make up your back  and it is a reasonably complicated structure. Both the muscles and ligaments can be injured. Any type of injury to the lower back will cause the muscles to react, and back spasms may be present. Other symptoms of a strain or sprain to the muscle of ligaments of the back include inflammation, pain, swelling and bruising. You may also experience a decreased range of motion.

Bulging Disc: If you are suffering from a herniated or bulging disc then back spasms are a very common side effect. The spinal column is composed of vertebrae, and in between each vertebrae are discs which help to absorb shock. The outer section of the disc is very strong, however the inner section is jelly like. Through injury or trauma, the jelly like substance inside can often break through the surface of the disc, and place pressure onto the spinal nerves. Not only will you experience muscle spasms, but you will also experience weakness in the muscle, numbness and loss of skin sensation.

Bone Spurs: A slightly less common cause of muscle spasms in the lower back, however it is still apparent. A bone spur is basically a small projection that grows on the smooth surface of the bone, and is most common in the spine. Considering the weight and the stress that the back takes everyday, it is not surprising that bone spurs occur.

Overuse: Overuse of the muscles is a very common cause of back spasms. Overuse can occur in any situation where you are repeating the same strenuous movement over and over. The muscle becomes tired, tight and is much more susceptible to injury.

Bad Posture: Bad posture can be a cause of muscle spasms indirectly. Poor posture will often lead to muscle imbalances, muscles become tight and spasms can occur as a defense mechanism. Good posture support is essential to back health.

Back spasms can occur due to any kind of trauma or change in the body, and can be very painful. Understanding how they occur is the first step to treating them.

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