Muscle spasms in the back can be caused by a muscle strain, a sprained muscle, or an underlying condition.

Causes of Muscular Spasms Muscular spasm may caused by either direct damage to muscle (e.g. pulling a hamstring whilst running) or as a protective contracture, which is often nature’s way of creating a splint to protect an underlying fault.

• Spasms may affect many different types of muscles in the body, leading to many different symptoms and presentations.
• Spasms of skeletal muscles are most common and are commonly treated by osteopaths. They are often due to dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. The spasm may occur abruptly, can be painful, and is usually short-lived. It may be relieved by gently stretching the muscle.
• If muscle spasms are especially painful, if they do not resolve or if they reoccur, medical care should be accessed to look for possible underlying causes.

Treatment: In treating back muscle spasms, it is very important to diagnose the underlying problem and the treatment should be sensibly directed at this underlying cause. Unless the underlying problem is evaluated, discovered, and treated, the back muscle spasms will tend to reoccur. The osteopath will discuss your condition, explain the problem including the treatment and plan to help improve and resolve it.

Exercises and advice on lifestyle and posture are often given when indicated.

Your GP may be able to prescribe medication to relieve muscle spasm.