Low back pain affects about 10 percent of the U.S. population, making it one of the leading causes of disability in the nation. In some cases, the pain results from back spasms or involuntary muscle contractions in the lower back. 

But what causes the spasms themselves? Well, there can be dozens of conditions that can lead to lower back spasms.  

Doctors can treat lower back spasms and their many causes in several ways. This guide from HealthTap explores these treatments and causes. 

What are lower back spasms?

A spasm happens when the muscles contract — often in a sudden, painful, and involuntary way. 

The lower back has three muscle types: deep, intermediate, and superficial. Any of them can contract. The deeper the muscles, the more painful the spasms. 

Back spasms can begin with no warning or build up gradually from a mild cramp. Severe pain can make someone unable to move until the spasm goes away. 

Those who play sports or lift weights are more prone to spasms. Weak abdominal muscles can also lead to back spasms and discomfort. There are dozens of conditions that may cause someone to develop lower back spasms. 

What are the symptoms of lower back spasms? 

Because there are so many potential causes of lower back spasms, the symptoms can vary from person to person. 

Lower back pain can range from being slightly annoying to excruciatingly painful. Someone can feel pain in the lower back in addition to surrounding regions, such as the middle back, the glutes, and the hamstrings. 

Symptoms of lower back spasms may include: 

• Sudden pain in the lower back.

• A cramping sensation that comes and goes. 

• Increased pain after bending over.

• Weakness in the lower back or nearby muscles, such as the glutes.

Lower back spasms may be acute or chronic. Acute lower back spasms happen suddenly and are often the result of certain movements, such as lifting something heavy. These usually go away pretty quickly on their own. 

Chronic back muscle spasms recur regularly and can worsen due to physical activities, such as weight lifting. 

What causes lower back spasms? 

While there are many potential causes of low back spasms, some are much more common. 

These may include: 

1. Electrolyte imbalance 

Our bodies require certain minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These are carried by the body’s fluids and perform hundreds of important functions. 

When the body is low in fluids (which happens with dehydration), it’s possible to experience an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to muscle cramps and spasms in any part of the body — including the lower back. 

2. Poor posture

Poor posture can strain the lower back muscles, leading to spasms. With the increasing computer and phone use, more people have poor posture today. Practicing good posture can help improve overall wellness. 

3. Being sedentary

Another side effect of excessive computer use? Not getting enough exercise. 

Being sedentary for too long can weaken the low back muscles, making them more likely to spasm. 

Increased inflammation can also result from being sedentary. Not only can inflammation lead to lower back spasms, but it can increase a person’s chances of developing all sorts of chronic pain conditions. 

4. Muscle overuse 

Overusing a muscle, such as lifting heavy weights, can lead to spasms. In general, these should not last more than a few days. After the acute spasm goes away, muscle soreness may occur, which may last up to a week. 

5. Muscle strain or sprain

A muscle sprain is an injury to ligaments, which are elastic bands surrounding the joints. A strain refers to damage or injury to muscle tissue. 

Both are considered injuries that can result from any kind of strenuous physical activity. These should resolve on their own within a few weeks. 

6. Nerve damage

The nerves carry pain signals from the body to the brain. Injuring nerves in the lower back could lead to painful spasms.

Sciatica is a common condition that stems from nerve damage in the lower back or buttocks. The sciatic nerve travels from the glute down to the foot. If there is swelling or inflammation in the lower part of the spine, it may cause excess pressure on the sciatic nerve. While pain is the most common symptom of this condition, lower back spasms are also possible. 

7. Disk disorders 

The spine includes tiny disks filled with a gelatinous substance to provide cushioning between the vertebrae. Damage to the disks can make their contents seep out, putting pressure on the surrounding muscles, nerves, and ligaments in the back. 

Herniated disks are one of the most common types of damage to disks. Pain is often the first symptom of this condition. It can lead the surrounding muscles to weaken over time, which can contribute to low back spasms. 

8. Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints degrades over time. This can lead to joint and muscle pain, stiffness, and inflexibility, making it hard to move. Over time, this can lead someone to become sedentary, weakening their muscles, and therefore contributing to lower back spasms. 

9. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that many doctors still don’t understand. It causes pain all over the body, which may include the back. Constant pain can make someone less likely to exercise, weakening the lower back muscles. Weaker muscles may increase the likelihood of back spasms.

10. Stress 

Stress is something that affects the vast majority of the U.S. population. It’s well-known that stress can increase a person’s chances of developing anxiety or depression. But stress can affect the body, as well.

Some people respond to stress by tensing their muscles and hunching their backs. Constant muscle tension of this sort can increase someone’s chances of developing low back spasms. 

Stress can also make someone extremely fatigued, causing more inactivity. Not being active for long periods is another way to develop low back spasms. 

How do doctors diagnose back spasms? 

Once patients know they experience low back spasms, they can seek medical advice to determine the root cause.

Diagnosing the root cause of lower back spasms may be challenging. There are no reliable tests for some conditions, such as fibromyalgia. So getting the patient a diagnosis may involve the process of elimination. 

If an injury is suspected, a doctor can order an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or another imaging test. Imaging can give them a better look at the lower back's bones, muscles, joints, and soft tissues. 

A doctor may ask about their medical history, symptoms, and other relevant factors to give their patient an accurate diagnosis. Questions can involve the severity of the spasms, how often they occur, and when they started. 

How are lower back spasms treated?

Treatment for low back spasms depends on their root cause.

If the spasms start after an injury, the best treatment may be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These are painkillers that are available without a doctor’s prescription. 

Applying heat to an injury can promote circulation, and applying ice can reduce inflammation to support the body’s natural healing process. 

Those who experience chronic back spasms may benefit from seeing a physical therapist. Physical therapy can be helpful for those who are sedentary and experience muscle weakness. 

Physical therapy can help patients get movement back in the lower back while strengthening the muscles around it. It can also help prevent future injury. 

Doctors may recommend cortisone injections for those who experience chronic lower back pain or spasms. A cortisone injection contains hormones that reduce inflammation and promote healing. They can have some adverse side effects, such as skin thinning, so they are a short-term solution.

Depending on the condition causing lower back pain or spasms, doctors may recommend surgery, but this is typically only used as a last resort.

Home care for lower back spasms

If a doctor approves home care, here are some ways to care for low back spasms at home. 

1. Heat and ice therapy 

Heat and cold can support the body’s natural healing process. Heat works by increasing circulation, bringing oxygen to the injured tissue, and ice can reduce excess inflammation.

Something as simple as a heating pad may be used for heat therapy. An ice pack (or a bag of frozen fruit) can be used to soothe the lower back for ice therapy. (Note: Ice should always be covered in a thin cloth to avoid burning the skin.)

2. Alignment  

Bending the back in odd positions can increase lower back spasms. Proper alignment can help to bring some relief. 

Sitting in a chair without lumbar support can make someone overextend their back, which can cause spasms. It’s important to sit in a properly-supported chair, especially for those who work in front of a computer. 

It’s also important not to sit up in bed because some headboards promote poor back alignment. Sleeping on the back may not be ideal for some people with recurrent low back spasms. It’s always best to check with a doctor on which position one should sleep in, depending on what’s causing the lower back spasms. 

While it may seem like resting can help the body’s healing process, it’s important to stay active to avoid decreased circulation and muscle loss. 

3. Movement 

It’s important to avoid being sedentary, but not all types of movement are good for those with lower back spasms. Anything that involves heavy lifting can put pressure on the lower back muscles. It’s a good idea to consult a doctor about any exercise regimen, especially for anyone with a lower back injury.

Gentle cardio, like brisk walking, is more effective than strength training. It can boost blood circulation and release feel-good endorphins. 

Stretching is another important component of recovery. Studies show that it’s just as effective as cardio in promoting circulation. 

Plus, it can help to increase mobility for those finding it hard to move due to muscle stiffness. Someone with low back spasms can do gentle cardio and stretching every day. 

How can lower back spasms be prevented? 

Taking care of the back muscles is one of the best ways to prevent low back spasms. 

Here are some ways to prevent this condition: 

• Avoid hunching over and maintain a straight posture as much as possible.
• Reduce muscle tension with gentle stretching and stress reduction. 
• Healthily lose weight to avoid putting extra strain on the back. 
• Engage in regular physical activity to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and aid in weight loss. 
• Strengthen the back muscles to make them less prone to injury. 

A primary care provider can help patients to design a prevention plan to keep back problems at bay. 

Takeaways 

A variety of conditions can lead to lower back spasms. In many cases, lower back spasms are not a sign of a serious condition. But other conditions require diagnosis and treatment from a medical provider. 

If you experience lower back spasms, don’t delay treatment. HealthTap can connect you with a virtual healthcare provider as soon as today. 

Schedule your appointment today.