Although exercise can help improve your overall health and help you maintain an optimal weight, it also might lead to muscle strains and other injuries. Back pain is one of the most common causes for missing work or going to the doctor, according to MayoClinic.com. Exercises that involve heavy lifting or abrupt movements are possible causes of back pain and muscle spasms. Contact your doctor if your pain is severe or if your spasms continue for more than two or three days.
Symptoms
Three sets of muscles make up the muscles in your back: the extensors, flexors and obliques. Back spasms are involuntary contractions of these muscles that cause sudden cramping. This can lead to acute pain, especially during movements that involve the affected muscles. The muscles usually feel better during rest. This type of muscular pain in the back usually remains in one area, rather than a radiating down the legs. Touching the affected muscles can cause an increase in pain. Depending on the extent of injury within the muscles, the pain from the spasms can be severe and make even small movements difficult. Occasionally, spasms may occur without pain.
Causes
Overstretching the ligaments and muscles in the back can cause small tears that lead to inflammation. The inflammation can cause the muscles to go into spasms, resulting in acute back pain. Most episodes of back pain start after heavy or improper lifting or sudden movements that cause muscle or ligament strains. Improper lifting involves using your back muscles, rather than your leg muscles, to move heavy objects. Overtraining occurs when you ignore minor muscle pain after a workout and continue to push yourself to train harder. Training the same muscle groups for several consecutive days can lead to unusual soreness. A decline in performance, general fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the muscles are all warning signs of overtraining.
Treatment
Home treatments for back spasms involve rest, but only for a period of one or two days. Applying ice periodically for the first 24 hours can help reduce the inflammation and swelling. Applying heat to the affected area after the first day can help soothe and relax tight muscles. Medical treatment can include pain medication and muscle relaxants. Your doctor may run imaging tests to check for an underlying cause of your spasms or pain.
Prevention
Although improper exercise techniques may be the reason for your back spasms, preventing subsequent problems involves exercises that strengthen the muscles and make them more flexible. Core exercises that focus on building the spinal extensor and oblique abdominal muscles can help strengthen and support your spine. Perform the exercises using the correct form and build up your strength gradually to avoid overworking certain muscle groups. Losing excess weight may also help you avoid further back problems.
