According to MedlinePlus of the National Institutes of Health, 80 percent of people experience back pain at some point. A patient with a back muscle spasm may experience acute or chronic back pain that doesn't radiate into the legs or to other parts of the body. Upon physical exam, a physician can generally notice tight or spastice muscles when assessing the lumbar back. In most cases, conservative treatments are preferred, such as rest and over-the-counter or prescribed medications. In more severe cases, alternative therapies suggest physical therapy may be required to relieve lumbar muscle spasms.
Improper Lifting
According to MayoClinic.com, improper lifting can be a cause of a lumbar or muscle spasm. This can occur if a person lifts a heavy object from bending his back instead of bending of his hips and his knees. This action puts excessive strain on the lumbar back muscles, which can cause them to spasm. Therefore, a patient should consistently practice lifting heavy objects with his legs instead of using his lumbar or back muscles. If a patient notices back pain after lifting a heavy object, chances are muscles spasms are the cause and he should first consider conservative treatments such as ice therapy, heat therapy, and over-the-counter medications. If conservative treatments are ineffective, he should schedule an appointment with his doctor to have his lumbar back pain properly assessed and treated.
Sudden Movements
Sudden and improper movements of the lumbar spine can cause a lumbar muscle spasm, says MayoClinic.com. This occurs because the lumbar muscles can be overstretched or overstrained during a sudden and awkward lower back movement, which may result in a lumbar muscle spasm. In most cases, conservative treatments allow lumbar muscles that have been overstretched or overstrained to heal, which can reduce the onset of lumbar muscle spasms. However, if a patient feels or hears a popping sensation during a sudden or awkward movement, he shouldn't hesitate to seek immediate medical treatment to ensure no serious lumbar or back damage has occurred.
Injury
Injuries may also cause muscle spasms, according to MayoClinic.com. Injuries such as car accidents, sports or work-related injuries can cause lumbar muscle spasms. A patient has an increased risk for lumbar muscle spasm after an injury because the lumbar muscles are overstrained or overstretched, which can cause them to spasm as they begin to heal. Spasms can be painful and decrease the patient's level of function and mobility, so appropriate treatment is necessary to allow proper healing. A patient should schedule an appointment with her doctor to ensure that no serious damage was done to the back during the injury and that proper treatment of lumbar muscle spasms can begin.
