BACK SPASMS

SUDDEN LOWER BACK SPASM OR LOCKING UP

Back spasms can occur suddenly and without warning. Simple movements such as bending, getting out of a chair, twisting or lifting can leave the lower back feeling tight, locked or painfully restricted.

Some people describe the sensation as their back "going out", while others feel severe muscle tightening that makes standing upright difficult.

Although the muscles are often where the pain is felt, the underlying cause is not always the muscles themselves.

Correct diagnosis is important, as lower back spasms commonly occur as a protective response to irritation elsewhere.

 

DISC IRRITATION AND LUMBAR JOINT ARTHRITIS

Lumbar discs and spinal joints can become irritated through repetitive strain, prolonged sitting, lifting injuries or age-related changes.

Disc irritation and lumbar arthritis commonly create protective muscle guarding around the spine.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden back spasm or locking

• Difficulty standing straight

• Pain bending forward or returning upright

• Sharp pain with movement

• Pain into the buttock or upper leg

• Stiffness after sitting or first thing in the morning

The surrounding muscles often tighten to protect the area, which can create further restriction and ongoing pain.

 

ILIOPSOAS AND ERECTOR SPINAE MUSCLE TIGHTNESS

Two of the most common muscles involved in lower back spasm are the iliopsoas and erector spinae muscles.

The iliopsoas sits deep through the front of the spine and pelvis and commonly becomes shortened from prolonged sitting.

The erector spinae muscles run alongside the spine and frequently tighten after lifting, bending, sport or overload.

Signs these muscles may be contributing include:

• Feeling bent forward or unable to straighten up

• Pain standing after sitting

• Tightness through the lower back and hips

• Pain changing position in bed

• Feeling pulled or twisted to one side

When these muscles tighten excessively they can create substantial compression and protective guarding through the lumbar spine.

 

HOW DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE AND NEEDLING MAY HELP

Deep tissue massage can help reduce muscular guarding, improve circulation and decrease excessive tension through overloaded spinal muscles.

Trigger point and motor point dry needling may help release tight muscle bands and improve activation patterns within dysfunctional muscles.

By targeting both superficial and deeper structures such as the erector spinae and iliopsoas, treatment aims to:

• Reduce muscle spasm

• Improve mobility

• Decrease protective guarding

• Restore movement patterns

• Reduce ongoing strain through the lower back

Treatment may also include assessment of movement patterns and contributing factors driving recurrent episodes.

 

LIVE PAIN FREE

Trigger points are tight bundles of dysfunctional muscle fibres that can create pain locally and contribute to ongoing muscle spasm.

By releasing the trigger point, the muscle relaxes. When the muscle relaxes, tension decreases and movement improves.

Don’t put up with recurring back spasms any longer.

Book now and start moving freely again.