A back spasm is a contraction of one or more muscles in your back. According to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, back spasms are likely to happen when your muscles are already inflamed or strained. The proximity of the muscle tightness to your spinal cord nerves can make a back spasm extremely painful and even incapacitating. Get rid of a back spasm through rest, cold treatment and medications.
Step 1
Stop what you are doing at the time of your back spasm so you can rest. The pain may be so acute that you might not have any choice but to lie down. Continuing a workout or even day-to-day activities to "work through the pain" may make your condition worse.
Step 2
Apply ice packs to the area that is most painful. The Sports Injury Bulletin website suggests icing on a 12-minute-on, 20-minute-off schedule. Ice your back for 12 minutes to numb the pain and reduce inflammation, take the ice off for 20 minutes and resume icing for another 12 minutes throughout the day. You may find additional relief from a circular massaging motion of the ice, rather than just leaving it on your back.
Step 3
Get rid of back spasm pain with medications. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like naproxen, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and eliminate some of your discomfort. Talk to your doctor about pain that does not subside; he may prescribe muscle relaxants that help dissipate your spasms.
Step 4
Return to your normal activities slowly and carefully to avoid straining your muscles again. Ask your doctor, trainer or coach to suggest stretching exercises that will loosen your muscles. The tighter your muscles, the more susceptible you are to back spasms.
Things You'll Need
- Ice packs
- Medication
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