How to Deal With Severe Back Spasms

Back spasms are one of the toughest conditions to deal with. Whether chronic or not, they can feel utterly debilitating. If you're having severe back spasms, a doctor's evaluation is needed. At home, here are some basic tips on what to expect and how to help yourself.

Instructions

1. Expect tough, tough pain. With true back spasms, you may need to be driven to the doctor for a prescription or two. Ice packs will not help much at this stage, until the spasms have calmed down.

2. Get the prescriptions filled immediately. You'll probably get a powerful pain-relief medication such as Vicodin and a prescription muscle relaxant. Take as directed. Pay attention to the cautionary aspects of such strong medication; avoid driving or ingesting alcohol. Expect to sleep more often.

3. Lie down at home. Sitting (including driving) or standing will probably cause much pain and is not recommended. The only thing to do is rest your back, with all its inflammations, even if you need to take a day or two off of work. No matter how inconvenient this may be, it will speed up your recovery.

4. Ice your back at intervals only when the spasms have subsided, sometimes after two to three days. Wean yourself off the pain medication and then the muscle relaxant, as soon as the pain has decreased enough to be manageable. Substitute over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen when you can.

5. Gradually resume normal activity, avoiding strenuous activity for as long as possible or until your back muscles seem to have returned to normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to avoid triggers you notice that set off spasms, such as any positions or conditions which seem to aggravate the condition.