Back spasms can be caused by a number of different things and knowing the cause can help determine the course of treatment. Some of the more common causes of back spasms include:

• Lack of Muscle Use – If you don’t use the muscles in your back enough, they can become weak, which may lead them to spasm.
• Injury – Even an injury that took place some time ago can result in back spasms. Any type of physical trauma that impacts your back muscles, spinal cord, or brain can cause injuries.
• Diet – Muscle spasms, including those in your back, can occur due to insufficient water, calcium, or potassium.
• Stress and Anxiety – Some people experience muscle spasms due to mental health or other emotional issues that they are dealing with.
• Over-Exercising – If you are engaging in particularly strenuous exercises that involve your back muscles, they may begin to spasm.

The most common issues related to back spasms are that they are annoying. For those with more severe spasms, they can become debilitating because they can make it almost impossible to stand properly, walk, or even sit comfortably. Back spasms can also lead to sciatica, making it wise to involve a sciatica doctor in Charleston, SC to help get relief.

For minor back spasms, you can apply heat or ice to try to get relief. If they only occur occasionally, you could take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to help relax the muscles. If your back spasms are more severe, or they happen regularly, you will want to work with a back spasm or sciatica doctor to get proper treatment. Back spasms can be treated with physical therapy and medication, and in rare cases, surgery. Contact South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center to discuss your specific situation and get the treatment plan you need.