Can I improve chances of spasm not occurring?
July 12, 2010 5:10 PM Subscribe
Help! Will anything stop a back spasm coming on after a likely trigger?
I am prone to back spasms. The last two were triggered by tidying and clearing out in my flat. I had a three line whip to tidy the space in my office, so I brought in help, but I think I probably still did too much. I now feel a mild ache/stiffness in my back where the spasm usually comes on. The last two times I ended up with my back in spasm, it started like this, was stiffer and achier the next day when I woke up and then complete spasm came on while walking. Tomorrow I am due to depart on a very important and intensive work trip. Is there anything I can do now to improve my chances of this not turning into a full-blown muscle spasm in my back? I have been to my doctor about this in the past, she had no help to offer.
I am prone to back spasms. The last two were triggered by tidying and clearing out in my flat. I had a three line whip to tidy the space in my office, so I brought in help, but I think I probably still did too much. I now feel a mild ache/stiffness in my back where the spasm usually comes on. The last two times I ended up with my back in spasm, it started like this, was stiffer and achier the next day when I woke up and then complete spasm came on while walking. Tomorrow I am due to depart on a very important and intensive work trip. Is there anything I can do now to improve my chances of this not turning into a full-blown muscle spasm in my back? I have been to my doctor about this in the past, she had no help to offer.
I get these from time to time. My doctor likens them to a charlie-horse-like knotting of one of the many back muscles, in my case in the small of my back.
If there's any way to get an emergency prescription filled before your trip, get some Ativan (generic name lorazepam). I use 1mg strength. While its primary use is to relieve anxiety, a happy side effect is that it acts as a muscle relaxant.
The drug is habit-forming, so don't expect to get a huge supply.
Failing this, or in addition to this, pack a heating pad and the strongest pain meds you've got.
Safe travels!
posted by Short Attention Sp at 5:34 PM on July 12, 2010
If there's any way to get an emergency prescription filled before your trip, get some Ativan (generic name lorazepam). I use 1mg strength. While its primary use is to relieve anxiety, a happy side effect is that it acts as a muscle relaxant.
The drug is habit-forming, so don't expect to get a huge supply.
Failing this, or in addition to this, pack a heating pad and the strongest pain meds you've got.
Safe travels!
posted by Short Attention Sp at 5:34 PM on July 12, 2010
Best answer: You might try using an icepack or heating pad a few times a day before you leave or while you are traveling. Lying on the floor on your back with your knees bent for a few minutes can be a good way to relax your back also, especially after sitting in a car or plane. Bon Voyage!
posted by bookrach at 6:41 PM on July 12, 2010
posted by bookrach at 6:41 PM on July 12, 2010
Yes, I was going to suggest some gentle stretching as well. Depending on where the issue is, there's myriad stretches that can really pinpoint the upset muscles.
I've had great advice in the past from both physiotherapists and activator-method chiropractors. I know some folks are not fans of chiropractic care, but I've had great results from local activator-style practitioner. When I get those tired muscles I like to stretch carefully and try to get into see the chiro.
I've found a wide range of results in various physiotherapists and chiros though...perhaps see if anyone you know locally can recommend one?
posted by Richat at 6:57 PM on July 12, 2010
I've had great advice in the past from both physiotherapists and activator-method chiropractors. I know some folks are not fans of chiropractic care, but I've had great results from local activator-style practitioner. When I get those tired muscles I like to stretch carefully and try to get into see the chiro.
I've found a wide range of results in various physiotherapists and chiros though...perhaps see if anyone you know locally can recommend one?
posted by Richat at 6:57 PM on July 12, 2010
Best answer: Back spasms seem to be less severe and recover more quickly when I notice the twinge of warning, then go lay down with ice 20 mins, heat 20 mins, repeating. For as long as I can stand it.
posted by galadriel at 7:13 PM on July 12, 2010
posted by galadriel at 7:13 PM on July 12, 2010
Doing daily, light aerobic stretching helps a great deal with my (mild) back aches.
posted by whiskeyspider at 8:54 PM on July 12, 2010
posted by whiskeyspider at 8:54 PM on July 12, 2010
Stretch your glutes! I'm a professional athlete who seems particularly prone to lower back spasms, and regular glute/piriformis stretching helps keep it at bay.
posted by bsaunders at 1:28 AM on July 13, 2010
posted by bsaunders at 1:28 AM on July 13, 2010
Magnesium.
posted by Feisty at 5:31 AM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Feisty at 5:31 AM on July 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
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