Ever had back spasms? Don't know what back spasms are? Read the following article to understand what back spasm symptoms are like and what one should do about it.

Back pain or back spasm is more common a condition than people realize. A spasm of any sort means that there is an involuntary contraction of the muscle which causes the muscle in question to shake and move about without the person doing anything to lead to it (hence, involuntary). Spasms are generally harmless, but there are certain spasms that can lead to a lot of pain. This is especially true of the back. Muscle spasms when experienced in the back are common because the back is one of the most important parts in our body, which is why so much pressure is put on it, therefore, there are high chances that the back is affected quite easily. And while you might not realize how much pressure you're putting on it, you might continue to stress it out and then even a minor jerk or any other sudden action will lead to severe back spasm symptoms. In the following article we will go through some of these symptoms of back spasms and try and deduce the best methods for its treatment.

Lower Back Symptoms

It is more common for a person to suffer from lower back pain and spasms than upper back pain and spasms. These spasms come about most commonly due to the muscles in the back region being over used―and more importantly―being used in the wrong manner. The muscles of the back can thus get injured. The other reason is that there is an injury to the spine which causes these spasms, and therefore, a single jerk or a sudden movement will lead to the back getting injured. Bad posture can also be attributed to the wear and tear of the muscles due to unwanted pressure. Once the lower back region is hurt or injured, it will lead to certain symptoms. Let us see what these are.

• Severe back pain.
• Waves of muscle pain and discomfort that is felt in the back even when there is a slight movement of the legs or arms.
• The spine feels rigid and hurts every time you move.
• Temporary immobility of the spine.
• Pain in the back flares up with slight or prolonged movement.
• Sitting or standing will increase the pain, whereas, sleeping or lying down will temporarily give a person some respite.
• The pain might travel to other areas as well because of the connection of the nerves―therefore, you might even find that your neck or your shoulders feel stiff. You will not want to move them any more than what is absolutely necessary, lest the pain in the lower back gives way again.

Upper Back Symptoms

Even though the reasons that could lead to pain in the lower back could also cause pain in the upper regions of the back, there are certain other reasons that lead to symptoms of back spasms in the upper back. A sprain or strain in the back muscles can lead to back spasms. Other than that, arthritis, osteoporosis, ruptured or herniated discs, fibromyalgia, and a bad posture could also lead to certain spasm symptoms. Some of these are as follows.

• Pain. There has to be pain. Which will make it clear that there is a strain that has been caused there which is leading to the abnormal contraction of the muscles.
• Along with the upper back, the pain will also be carried over to the other parts of the upper body like the arms, neck, and shoulders. Thus you will find that any action like lifting or sudden jerking of the neck will lead to pain in the upper and even lower back.

Back Spasm Treatment

Now that you know what the symptoms are, you can follow some of these preventive and treatment measures to deal with the problem in the correct manner and administer some back pain relief.

• Lie still for sometime till the pain subsides. Don't go about making sudden movements at this time.
• Pull your knees to your chin, this will stretch out the back muscles and give you some relief from the pain. But please make sure that this does not cause you any pain while doing it. It should make you feel good, not strain you out further.
• Go in for the cold pack therapy. Take some ice cubes and rub them in circular motions over the back. This will numb the back and sensitize you to the pain. It will also allow for the blood to flow in that area in a gush and cause the pain to subside further.
• Try doing some simple stretches with your shoulders and arms to get the blood flowing better.
• Next, try a hot water compress by placing a hot towel on the back. Do these 5 times a day for fast recovery.
• Make sure that you keep your back in good condition by getting some back exercise for it everyday. Maintain a good posture and use the right manner for lifting and bending. This will keep all the unwanted injuries at bay.

So can back spasm symptoms be avoided? Of course they can. Stop abusing your back so much and learn to use it well, only then can you prevent unnecessary spasms and pains.