Hackensack Back Dr Answers Your Questions about Back Spasms

In fewer cases, chronic back spasms may be caused by an underlying disorder. If your muscle spasms are especially serious, they may be caused by nerve damage. In this case, it is advised you visit a doctor and discuss minimally invasive treatment options

Which conditions can cause back spasms?

Back spasms can appear due to a number of reasons. The most common ones usually are:

• Muscle strains– A muscle strain is a form of injury that usually occurs due to muscle overuse. Acute muscle strain injuries can also be caused by sudden movements, such as twisting. They often occur in the lower back and can be accompanied by a lingering soreness.

• A herniated disc– The discs in your spine are separated by cushions. When the outer layer of a disc breaks, the disc herniates, bulging out of its original location and placing pressure on nearby nerves. This causes discomfort, which can result in spasms. A herniated disc may develop as a result of repetitive strain or a traumatic injury. In more severe cases, only spine surgeons may be able to help.

• Degenerative disc disease– Your body suffers from wear and tear over time. Ageing can have a negative impact on certain areas of the body, including the joints, resulting in the breakdown of joint cartilage. This is called degenerative disc disease, and, even though it can sometimes not be accompanied by immediate symptoms, in time it can lead to pain and muscle spams. Degenerative disc disease is a form of spinal arthritis that involves the breakdown of joint cartilage.

Can back spasms reveal a more serious condition?

In rare cases, back pain and spams may be symptoms of a more severe illness. These symptoms should be taken very seriously, urging you to see a doctor for proper spine care. If you are having all of these symptoms at the same time, you may be dealing with an emergency and should seek medical attention immediately:

• Numbness in the buttock area: This pins and needles sensation can be a sign of sciatica, but if it happens around your groin or buttock region, it may be a sign of a serious spinal condition.

• Incontinence: If spasms prevent you from controlling your bladder movements, it may be a sign of serious nerve damage, usually due to nerve compression or infection.

• Weakness in the legs: Weakness that appears unexpectedly should signal an issue. If it occurs in conjunction with back pain, it may be a sign of a severe spine condition that reaches the nerves.

Can it be sciatica pain?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve in your spine is irritated, resulting in discomfort. Since this very long nerve runs down your legs as well, it can cause pain starting from your lower back and all the way to your toes, ranging in intensity as well.

Sciatica is not a condition but a symptom of various ailments. For example, herniated discs can put pressure on the nerve and cause pain or spasms. If pain is accompanied by numbness of the legs, pain that moves throughout the length of the sciatic nerve, or weakness, it may be a sign of sciatica.

How can I get properly diagnosed?

When you visit a back pain physician, they will look at your medical history and also perform a physical evaluation to determine what is causing your back spasms. They will also ask you to describe the discomfort, as well as any other symptoms you are experiencing.

As part of the examination, the back doctor may also require you to perform certain movements, to determine if you are experiencing particular weaknesses or imbalances. Additionally, they may also see the need for further examination, including blood tests, X-rays, electromyography, MRI, or CT scans.

What are the most common types of treatment?

Back spasms are cured by addressing the underlying cause. Treatment often varies according to whether you are experiencing acute or chronic pain. The most common methods of treatment for acute back pain include over-the-counter medicine, topical pain creams, hot and cold therapy, muscle relaxants, or light exercises. This should be enough to help you get back to your pain-free life.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, may include some more intensive forms of treatment. Based on the severity of the pain, your doctor may recommend steroid injections, prescribed medication, physical therapy, or in some cases, the help of an orthopaedic surgeon.

Book an appointment with the best back doctors in Hackensack, New Jersey. You can find us in Clifton, NJ, on Route 46 E, past the Ford dealership, in West Orange, near the Essex Country Club, and in Paramus on Route 17, near the Paramus Park Mall.