Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. Muscle spasms can occur across the entire body and are caused by a variety of things, from hyperactivity and fatigue to dehydration and ion imbalances. While most muscle spasms in the back are harmless and can be effectively treated, some indicate that there’s an … It is rare for spasms to last for weeks or months due to physical injury. A muscle strain can be a source of extraordinary pain. If you are in a hurry or just can’t read another word, this video is a short and sweet alternative. A spasm generally occurs when the muscle is injured and not functioning properly or when it is deprived of proper circulation. Except for trauma, muscle imbalances are the reason for most types of back pain. Types of Low Back Pain. Usually, back muscle spasms due to injury will subside in a few hours to a few days. If you really want to get lasting relief for your lower back muscle spasms and cramps, consider addressing the root cause of your lower back pain. Usually, back muscle spasms due to injury will subside in a few hours to a few days. Sciatica patients can experience muscle spasms in their lower back, buttocks, legs or feet. Back injury is a very common factor, since inflammation and neurological trauma are both sources of severe muscular contractions. Causes of muscle spasm. The most common sites for muscle spasms are the thighs, calves, foot arches, hands, arms, abdomen and sometimes along the ribcage. Except for trauma, muscle imbalances are the reason for most types of back pain. Your doctor will examine your back and assess your ability to sit, stand, walk and lift your legs. There will also be palpable tenderness at the affected site. Back injury is a very common factor, since inflammation and neurological trauma are both sources of severe muscular contractions. While not as common or typically as painful as lower back spasms, uncontrollable constriction of the muscles in the upper back can be almost as agonizing and equally debilitating. Lower back spasms can be debilitating, but they are treatable. If you are in a hurry or just can’t read another word, this video is a short and sweet alternative. Many lower back problems can lead to painful muscle spasms. In general, most back muscle spasms occur because of the following reasons: Read What Is Your Back Muscle Spasm Telling You?. If they’re mild, they may cause you just enough discomfort to decrease your enjoyment in normally pleasurable activities. Muscle spasms range in intensity from mild twitches to severe pain. Stomach spasms are contractions of your abdominal muscles (abs), stomach, or intestines. Back spasms are by far the worst, since they completely debilitate the patient. Lower back spasms is an involuntary contraction of the muscles in the lower area of the back, near the nerve roots leading in and out of the spinal cord. Watch: Lower Back Strain Video. There are many reasons why muscle spasm may occur. People can get immediate relief from muscle spasms by using home treatments, such as stretching and massage. Back muscle spasms can wreak havoc on your world. By far the most common cause of lower back pain, mechanical pain is pain primarily from the muscles, ligaments, joints (facet joints, sacroiliac joints), or bones in and around the spine. If you really want to get lasting relief for your lower back muscle spasms and cramps, consider addressing the root cause of your lower back pain. Your doctor might also ask you to rate your pain on a scale of zero to 10 and talk to you about how well you're functioning with your pain. Back spasms may occur if you have arthritis or a ruptured disc in your spine. Obesity can cause stress and strain of the core muscles of the trunk, resulting in muscle cramps of the neck and upper and lower back. In some cases, the spasm may occur as a result of a more serious, underlying condition. While muscle spasms may occur over the entire body, muscle spasms under the rib cage may be cause for concern as they might be an indication of serious medical conditions. Back spasms and cramping affect many people worldwide. When occurring in the calves, especially, such cramps are known as “charley horses.” What does a muscle spasm feel like? Systemic illnesses like diabetes, anemia (low red blood cell count), kidney disease, and thyroid and other hormone issues are also potential causes of muscle spasms. Diagnosis. Top Exercises for Upper and Lower Back Muscle Spasms. There are many possible causes of lower back spasm, including poor posture, muscle overuse, and injuries.