Back spasms can strike at any time, causing intense discomfort and disrupting your daily life. In fact, approximately 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point. Unlike the predictable aches and pains, back spasms can ambush you, but the good news is that there are practical, cost-effective solutions to provide relief. In this guide, we’ll delve into what back spasms are, their causes, and most importantly, how to alleviate them effectively.
What Are Back Spasms?
Back spasms are the involuntary contraction of muscles in the lower back, leading to sudden and often debilitating pain. These spasms can be triggered by various factors, ranging from minor muscle sprains to more serious spinal issues. Understanding their symptoms is crucial:
- Tension in the lower back
- Sudden, sharp pain in the lower back
- Limited flexibility (this yoga routine has saved me more than once), making bending and lifting difficult
- Persistent lower back pain
- Weakness in the back or hip muscles
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s likely a back spasm. While they can be a response to muscle strain from activities like a new exercise routine, they can also signal more complex issues.
Causes of Back Spasms
Back spasms can seem to appear out of nowhere, causing anxiety. However, not all back spasms are cause for alarm. They generally fall into two categories:
- Muscle Strain-Induced Spasms: These spasms often result from injuries or inflammation in the soft tissues of the spine, including muscles. Common triggers include:
- Poor posture
- Overexertion or exercise-induced inflammation
- Lack of regular exercise
- Stress
- Underlying Anatomical Issues: If back spasms persist beyond two weeks or recur frequently, they might be indicative of more serious spinal problems. In such cases, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Effective Strategies for Relieving Back Spasms
When dealing with the sudden and intense pain of back spasms, prompt relief is essential. Here are some effective methods to alleviate back spasms:
- Cold Therapy:
- Apply an ice pack (these are our favorites to keep in the freezer) to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, with at least a two-hour gap between applications.
- Consider alternating between heat and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healthy blood flow.
- Rest:
- Listen to your body and avoid strenuous activities when experiencing painful spasms.
- Engage in gentle walking once you feel capable, but avoid bending or twisting, as pushing through the pain can worsen the injury.
- Medications:
- Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve symptoms and reduce pain, but should be used with caution. NSAIDS can lead to chronic pain.
- Muscle relaxers may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Some individuals find relief from injections of anti-inflammatory medications like cortisone. Consult your doctor for guidance.
- Hemp Extract for Backaches:
- Cordial Organics Restore contains active ingredients such as menthol and camphor for temporary relief from back pain.
- Cordial Organics Balance with lemon, peppermint, and full-spectrum hemp extract can help with exercise-induced inflammation.
- Cordial Organics Restore Heat, with ginger, cayenne, TCM herbs, and hemp extract can help relax your muscles.
Conclusion
Back spasms can disrupt your life, but they don’t have to keep you down. By combining conventional methods like cold therapy and rest with the temporary relief provided by Cordial Organics Restore products, you can find effective ways to manage and alleviate back spasms. If you’re interested in incorporating CBD into your wellness routine, explore our range of CBD products or reach out to us directly for more information. Achieve relief and get back to your daily life more quickly with these practical strategies.