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“Learning the cause of the problem and how to manage it effectively can help individuals experiencing back spasms quickly and safely return to previous levels of function and activity.”
Table of Contents
Individuals dealing with back pain or sciatica usually describe the symptoms as the back muscles tightening or spasming. A back spasm can feel mild, like a fist pressing into one side of the spine or an intense pain that prevents the individual from sitting, standing, or walking comfortably. Bask spasms can become severe, causing difficulty maintaining normal upright posture.
A back spasm is a sudden onset of back muscle tightness. Sometimes, the tight sensation becomes so intense and severe that it prevents the individual from moving normally. Some individuals have difficulty bending forward because of the pain and tightness.
Most episodes last several hours to several days. Severe cases can last about six to eight weeks, but the spasms and pain subside gradually, allowing the individual to move normally and resume normal activity. Common sensations and symptoms can include:
Sometimes, the spasm can cause radiating pain in the buttocks and hips. When severe, it can be accompanied by nerve pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates down one or both legs. (Medline Plus. 2022)
Back spasms are caused by tight muscle tissue, which often results from some mechanical stress. The stress causes the muscle tissue near the spine to be pulled abnormally. As a result of the pulling, the muscle fibers become taut and painful. Mechanical causes of back spasms may include: (Merck Manual, 2022)
All these can place increased stress on the anatomical structures in the spine. The lower back muscles near these structures may go into a protective spasm that can also cause a tight and painful sensation in the back. Other non-mechanical causes of low back spasms include: (Merck Manual, 2022)
Risk factors for back spasms include: (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2023)
Individuals can stop smoking, start exercising, or engage in positive activities to help manage stress. Individuals dealing with back spasms may need to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for back spasms can include home remedies or therapies from medical providers. The treatments are designed to relieve the spasms and manage the mechanical stresses that may have caused them. Medical professionals can also show strategies to prevent spasms. Home remedies can include: (Merck Manual, 2022)
If self-care strategies are unable to provide relief, individuals may need to visit a medical professional for treatment. Medical treatments can include: (Merck Manual, 2022)
Most individuals are able to manage symptoms with physical therapy or chiropractic, which includes learning exercises and posture adjustments to relieve tightness.
Simple lifestyle adjustments can have a significant effect on back spasms. Ways to prevent back spasms can include: (Medline Plus. 2022) (Merck Manual, 2022)
Medline Plus. (2022). Low back pain—acute. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007425.htm
Merck Manual. (2022). Low back pain. Merck Manual Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/low-back-and-neck-pain/low-back-pain
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023). Back pain. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/back-pain?
Bhatia, A., Engle, A., & Cohen, S. P. (2020). Current and future pharmacological agents for the treatment of back pain. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 21(8), 857–861. https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2020.1735353
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Managing Back Spasms: Effective Strategies and Techniques" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Multidisciplinary Licensing & Board Certifications:
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Chiropractic Licenses:
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New Mexico DC License #: NM-DC2182, Verified: NM-DC2182
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Texas APRN License #: 1191402, Verified: 1191402 *
New Mexico CNP License #: 90560, Verified 90560
Florida APRN License #: 11043890, Verified: APRN11043890 *
Colorado License #: C-APN.0105610-C-NP, Verified: C-APN.0105610-C-NP
New York License #: N25929, Verified N25929
Georgia APRN License #: GAA-NP005701
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Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice, MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
DC & FNP License (Review Above)
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NPI: 1205907805
Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)
(Licensed Medical Doctor)
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933
Licenses and Board Certifications:
MD: Medical Doctor
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
APRNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
FNP-BC: Family Practice Specialization (Multi-State Board Certified)
FNP-BC: Family Practice Across Life Span (Neonatal to Geriatrics)
RN: Registered Nurse (Multi-State Compact License)
CFMP: Certified Functional Medicine Provider
MSN-FNP: Master of Science in Family Practice Medicine
MSACP: Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice
IFMCP: Institute of Functional Medicine
CCST: Certified Chiropractic Spinal Trauma
ATN: Advanced Translational Neutrogenomics
Family with Primary Care Focus (Family Nurse Practitioner or FNP)
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TCA: Texas Chiropractic Association: Member ID: 104311
TNA: Texas Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222
TNP: Texas Nurse Practitioner Association ID: 2025091511
AANP: American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Member ID: 2198960
ANA: American Nurses Association: Member ID: 06458222 (District TX01)
| Primary Taxonomy | Selected Taxonomy | State | License Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | 111N00000X - Chiropractor | NM | DC2182 |
| Yes | 111N00000X - Chiropractor | TX | DC5807 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | TX | 1191402 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | FL | 11043890 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | CO | C-APN.0105610-C-NP |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | NY | N25929 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | NM |
90560 |
| Yes | 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family | GA | GAA-NP005701 |
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Primary Care Across Lifespan—Neonatal / Pediatric / Adult / Geriatrics)
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805
Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)*
(Licensed Medical Doctor)*
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933
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