As a general guideline, cold therapy will help reduce local inflammation, which in turn contributes to relieving pain. You can use a commercial ice pack or make one yourself. Cold therapy can be applied for 15 or 20 minutes, then give the skin a rest for a couple hours before the next application. Applying a heat pack or heating pad to the affected area can bring increased blood flow and soothing pain relief.
As with cold therapy, limit applications of heat therapy to 15 or 20 minutes at a time. Allow for at least a couple hours of recovery time for your skin between applications. If using a commercial heat pad, follow its direction carefully. When you rest, you can reduce stress on your lower back by laying on your back in bed with your upper body supported at a slight incline and a pillow propped under your knees.
Also, try sitting at an incline in a reclining chair with your legs supported and knees slightly bent. Some people find that acetaminophen Tylenol , which addresses pain but not the inflammation, is effective.
Read and follow medication labels carefully before use. Back spasms often disappear on their own. They may come back, or they might never appear again.
It depends on the cause. People with chronic conditions such as arthritis typically find that their symptoms get worse with time. However, if they are willing to try different medications and other strategies, it is possible for their symptoms to improve. Lower back spasm can be painful and frustrating. It may cause some people to stop exercising or to become less active, which will exacerbate the problem. The best way to deal with back spasms is to stay active and experiment with home treatment options.
If the pain does not go away, then it is best to see a doctor. A range of issues can cause back pain after eating, including poor posture, ulcers, and even a heart attack. Learn about symptoms and prevention here. Learn about 13 causes of middle back pain and discover techniques to find relief. Common causes include poor posture, arthritis, and herniated disks. Ankylosing spondylitis begins in the spine and joints and causes pain and stiffness, affecting posture and mobility.
Learn more here about its effects. Causes and treatment of lower back spasms. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Causes Diagnosis Treatment Home management and first aid Prevention Outlook Conclusion We include products we think are useful for our readers.
Share on Pinterest Common causes of lower back spasm are poor posture, arthritis, strains, and nerve damage. Share on Pinterest Anxiety and stress may cause lower back spasms. Share on Pinterest A doctor may recommended physical therapy as a treatment for lower back spasms.
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Important Phone Numbers. When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. Your Care Instructions A back spasm is sudden tightness and pain in your back muscles. How can you care for yourself at home? Heat, ice, and medicines To relieve pain, use heat or ice whichever feels better on the affected area. Put a warm water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a warm cloth on your back. Put a thin cloth between the heating pad and your skin.
Do not go to sleep with a heating pad on your skin. Try ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Ask your doctor if you can take acetaminophen such as Tylenol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Your doctor can prescribe stronger medicines if needed.
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
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