Lower back spasms are involuntary contractions or tensing of the muscles in the lower back, and they may affect movement. Doctors may recommend medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies to help manage them.

Back spasms can range from infrequent spasms with mild discomfort to chronic spasms with severe pain that makes it difficult for you to move.

Lower back spasms can typically be treated effectively without invasive treatments. However, more intensive treatments may be necessary if the pain is related to nerve problems in the spine.

A variety of factors can contribute to lower back pain and spasms. Back pain is usually mechanical — meaning there’s a problem with the spine, discs, or surrounding muscles and soft tissues — and spasms are often related to muscle tension.

The intensity of back spasm pain depends on a wide range of factors, related to how long someone has been experiencing the pain and their overall health.

People may describe back spasms as:

  • subtle muscle twinges
  • a tight knot
  • sudden cramping that comes and goes

Back spasms can also make it more difficult to move your spine, which may contribute to a feeling of generalized weakness.

Back spasms can be the result of injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, or they can be related to more serious medical conditions. Heavy lifting is a common cause of back spasms.

In addition to heavy lifting, any activity that puts excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back can cause an injury. Sports such as football and golf can lead to back spasms because they involve sudden and frequent back movements.

Your back muscles may be more vulnerable if you have weak abdominal muscles, which help support the back. Weak or stiff muscles in the back itself can also be injured more easily than muscles that are stronger and more limber.

Back spasms may occur if you have arthritis or a ruptured disc in your spine. Arthritis in the lower back can put pressure on the spinal cord, which may cause pain in the back and the legs. A ruptured or bulging disc in the vertebrae may also pressure a nerve and result in back pain.

Your doctor will start by evaluating your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical examination.

You can help your doctor arrive at an accurate diagnosis by explaining your symptoms in detail. Be ready to discuss:

  • when the spasms started
  • if they flare up during a particular activity
  • how often they flare up
  • the severity of your back pain
  • what, if anything, relieves the pain

Be sure to tell your doctor if you started getting spasms after a sports injury or after some other physical activity, such as moving furniture. That may help determine whether a muscle injury caused the spasms.

It may help to keep a daily symptom journal to record as many details as possible and potentially identify trends.

If your doctor thinks it’s necessary, they may order an X-ray to look for signs of conditions like arthritis or bone fractures.

They may also order an MRI or CT scan to get a better look at the muscles and other soft tissues. These scans can also help identify possible problems with the discs or blood supply to the affected area.

What kind of healthcare professionals can manage lower back spasms?

If you’re experiencing lower back spasms, you can start with a primary care doctor. They may be able to help you manage your symptoms, or they may refer you to a specialist, such as a physiatrist.

Check out this article to learn more about finding the right doctor for your lower back pain.

If your spasms begin after an injury or an activity that stresses the muscles, try alternating ice and heat on your back. Ice will help reduce inflammation, and heat may help improve blood flow.

Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants may help relieve symptoms while the muscles heal. Muscle relaxants may be able to provide pain relief from short-term muscle spasms.

Chiropractic care may help, but be sure to see a doctor to have your condition properly diagnosed first. Physical therapy to help strengthen your back and abdominal muscles is often recommended.

If you have a more severe condition that’s affecting your nerves, such as a ruptured disc, your doctor may recommend surgery.

During a back spasm, slowly make your way to the nearest comfortable chair or sofa. Here, you can try the following:

  1. Gently massage the spasm with your hand or a massage gun. This may temporarily ease the spasm.
  2. As you massage the area, be mindful of your breathing. Take slow inhales and exhales to reduce stress-induced pain. Diaphragmatic breathing may help you calm down.
  3. Apply alternate heat and ice in intervals of 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap ice packs in a towel to avoid ice burns, and give your skin a break after icing.
  4. If possible, try to find a comfortable lower back stretch, such as Child’s Pose or a seated spinal twist. This requires you to stand up from the couch and get to the floor, so only proceed if you feel comfortable with these movements.

Regular stretching can help people with chronic back pain, but for an acute back spasm, this may worsen your symptoms.

The best course of action for a temporary muscle spasm is to get plenty of rest, take it easy, and contact your doctor if the pain gets worse.

Your back works hard for you. The healthier and stronger it is, the lower your risk of developing back spasms. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Maintaining a moderate weight can help relieve the stress on your spine and your joints.
  • Standing up straight and wearing low-heeled shoes will help provide stability and reduce tension on the muscles in the lower back.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity, such as strengthening exercises for your back and abdomen (core) muscles, will also help keep you moving and feeling good.
  • Spending too much time in bed or in a seated position may worsen back problems.

If you aren’t currently physically active, talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. They may suggest certain exercises that will be easier on your back.

If you develop back spasms, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor. Back pain and spasms are treatable, and lifestyle modifications can help you get back to an active life.

Back spasms are involuntary muscle contractions or tensing that can develop as a result of weak core muscles or injuries. It’s best to contact a doctor to identify the underlying cause and make a management plan that’s right for your specific situation.

A doctor may recommend rest, muscle rehabilitation, or medications.