Back Spasms: Cause vs Effect

Back spasms are a common reason people tend to seek medical attention. There are a variety of approaches that claim to solve the problem including massage therapy, acupuncture, conventional chiropractic and physical therapy amongst others. 

Before we can delve into the solution, we need to explore the problem at its cause.

What Causes Back Spasms?

Have you ever broken your arm or leg? If you have had such an unfortunate experience, you may remember that your muscles in that area were splinting in response to the trauma. This happens as a reaction to the instability in the area where the body is trying to “guard” the area from further damage.

Would it have made any sense had you been rushed to the nearest hospital only to have them work the muscle, regardless of the modality, while ignoring the broken bone?

The answer is a resounding NO.

Now back to the main topic. A back spasm is what we refer to as a secondary condition, and it’s not the result of the back muscles going spastic for no reason.  Addressing a secondary condition such as the musculature while neglecting the primary cause may provide temporary relief at best. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution (and why wouldn’t you?) then it would make sense to treat the primary condition, in this case, a Spinal Shift.

(you should mention Spinal Shift at the beginning of this sentence [not the end] to better transition from the last paragraph) When the spine shifts, the area becomes unstable and the body makes an attempt to prevent further instablility or trauma. In cases such as back spasm, the muscles of the back are “guarding” in response to an instability in the area due to a spinal shift.

There are several approaches to help with the condition but many, however, address the effect rather than the cause, which will provide temporary relief till the primary condition is addressed.