Advanced Therapy for Muscle Spasms in Surbiton
Book NowWhat Causes a Back Spasm?
Most back spasms are a consequence of muscle guarding to protect the tissues beneath such as discs and nerves. It is a healthy response to a perceived threat and an important part of our defence mechanisms.
I am not entirely comfortable with the mechanism of back sprain or strain injuries being similar to say a hamstring tear. It is undoubtedly possible that an over-reaching athlete or someone involved in trauma could potentially damage muscle and ligament tissue in the back, which would then in turn result in some low-grade stiffening of the muscles in the area, however, stronger more acute spasms in the back don’t fit this theory and are more likely to be a sign of something more defensive happening beneath the surface.
The aim of muscle clenching is to give the damaged soft-tissue structures time to heal by effectively splinting the area and taking it temporarily out of action.
HOW LONG DOES A BACK SPASM LAST?
All being well and the spasm performs its defensive duty then in a few days the stiffness and soreness will pass, and you will be able to get back to your usual activities.
However, often with the fear of damage high in a patient’s mind, back muscles can develop a mind of their own. This usually happens because someone is too wary; or too protective of their back. People become frightened of moving and making things worse, which ironically will compound the situation. This in turn allows the protective muscle hold to keep on keeping on, well beyond its usefulness date and can create a chronic back complaint.
WHEN IS A BACK SPASM MORE SERIOUS?
If a muscle spasm has not got that traumatic, or obvious onset, or if its severity and length seem to be excessive then there is every chance that the muscle guarding is designed to protect something more sinister.
The spine has a sophisticated protective feedback mechanism, in which a reduction of nerve signals will result in an increase in muscle guarding. So, whilst the body may get away with a few minor warning sign spasms, if the nerve is under pressure, like in the case of a slipped disc, then the nature of the muscle spasm that occurs is a different beast altogether.
These muscle spasms are likely to be highly debilitating making almost all movement painful; quite often they create an antalgic or leaning posture in which a person cannot stand up straight without severe aggravation.
If a few days have passed and stretching and movement seem to be making things worse then getting a proper assessment is important. Unfortunately, Gp’s are not experts in this field and strong medication is not recommended until you have tried physical therapy.
Fortunately, this is why clinics like The DISC Chiropractors exist, as we are experts in just these kind of cases.
Spinal Decompression Therapy is one of the powerhouse treatments available at The DISC Chiropractors, its traction technology provides a unique ability to heal disc injuries and to un-trap the nerves that are often at fault the muscle spasms.
How do you fix a bad back spasm?
The first step in treating any condition is to find the underlying cause, often the pain experienced by a patient is the last “domino” to fall in a cascade of reactions. A thorough examination at our DISC Clinic in Surbiton will help not only identify exactly what is generating the pain but aim to understand its root cause.
Once a diagnosis is determined, treatment options to address the issue can be explored. Pain relief, corrective measures, and preventative strategies can be implemented to ensure the problem does not return in the future.
The first steps towards gaining pain relief often come by mobilising the spasmic soft tissues and joints in the area; this is achieved by using a combination of manual mobilising chiropractic techniques with our unique blend of Instrument Assisted Adjusting tools which can be used to gently initiate movement and blood flow (healing) in stubborn or inflamed tissue when stronger techniques may be contraindicated.
When conditions struggle to heal, Laser Therapy is an extremely safe and effective method of advancing rates of recovery. It’s warm photon light energy stimulates mitochondrial activity to enhance recovery in each and every cell of the body. Laser Therapy is especially useful in cases of inflammation, such as arthritic or muscle spasm based conditions
A major part of how our treatment protocols work is to ensure whilst the pain is coming under control, we are filling the patient with the knowledge of how to keep and maintain their results using corrective measures and rehabilitation tools to enhance their outcomes
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If you would like to find out what we could do to help your Muscle Spasms, please click the icon below to book a thorough consultation to evaluate your case.