My doctor told me today that I have a severe back spasm, how long will it take to go away? Days, Months, ???

Question

I have never had one and he said "it could take a really long time to go away" I guess I should have asked him to be more clear.

I was turned around in the back seat of a van stopped and got rear ended by a truck going about 35 mph.. Thanks

Answer 1

It depends upon the reason for your back spasms. Have you experienced physical trauma or are you undergoing a lot of stress? One or both could be the culprit, or even an electrolyte imbalance.

I've seen people drink pedialyte or very strong powdered gatorade and snap out of it within hours. Yoga can help because it physically strengthens you and is calming to the nerves. What you do not want to do is to take pain killers or muscle relaxers for 2 reasons. The first is that these medications slow the healing process. The second and probably the most important is that people take these drugs and feel like they are "cured". They will resume normal activity and when the drugs wear off, they find they have actually injured themselves because their pain was not present to tell them to limit their activity. Remember, your pain is there to serve a purpose - to tell you when you've had enough. If you absolutely MUST take something for the pain, a simple 5 grain aspirin does the least damage and has the shortest storage life in the liver. Pain killers, muscle relaxers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories all like to store up in the liver causing liver toxicity.

Do NOT apply heat to the area. While it feels good for the moment, you could suffer from what is termed a "rebound effect". It actually draws blood to the area increasing inflammation. If anything, ice the area down. 10 minutes on, an hour off. 10 minutes on, an hour off, for as long as you are awake. While it isn't as enjoyable as the heat, cryotherapy (icing) will be well-rewarded in the short-term.

If your physician can clarify why he feels you are suffering from these muscle spasms, it will be a good indicator as to how to treat them and to give you some idea of how long it will take to recuperate.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 2

I've had back problems for years. Back spasms are nasty, but they just don't happen. Yours has been coming for some time, and you want to do what you can to delay the next one. For now, alternate heat and cold on the sorest area. A muscle relaxer (doctor's prescription) in combination with Motrin or Advil will help with the pain. As soon as possible, do some calf and hamstring stretches to take the pressure off of the lower back muscles. Once you are pain-free, exercise and stretch on a regular basis.

I have found that using a heating pad at night a few times a week, and wearing one of those Thermacare belts occasionally when things feel really tight, helps a lot.

Answer 3

I DON'T WANT TO FRIGHTEN YOU! I just want to educate you here, spinal problems are nothing to mess with, you still want the ability to walk tomorrow, don't you? Listen my mother still has hers on and off. She was and still is an R.N. and a 300 pound patient landed on her back. Of course there are things that you can do today to help in alleviating the pain. One- is a very good chiropractor, I know I know I know its can be costly but wants worse living with it day in and day out without seeking the help from a professional or not, Two- increase your milk intake, help your bones now for a better tomorrow, three- Bayer back & Body Ache or Alleve (I hear that stuff works wonder too!) , then there are those needle things that the foreigners work with, a good matress,my mother has a sleep number one, (personally I hope she leaves it to me in her will), a back brace, but that will only carry you so far before re-placing it again. watch your posture while sitting and standing, don't cross your legs for a while as this might align you to something you don't want future down the road. If you are over-weight, consider dropping a few pounds. Good shoes,like crocs or an item or two from SAS Shoes. I cant stress to you enough that posture combined with your ideal weight along with a licensed professional make for a well outcome.
Take Care & Best Of Luck!

Answer 4

Every one is different, but from my experience, the really terrible pain will subside in a few days. I assume he gave you a muscle relaxant and pain meds. The muscle could take several weeks to fully relax and start to feel normal again. Just take it easy, no lifting, and no jerky movements. I made a jerky movement and the spasm came back.

Answer 5

You need to grow up. Everyone liked your "enemy" better because she was mature, and great to get along with. You sound childish, and self-entitled. Mature people are civil towards people they don't like. Not asking you to "be best friends" but at least enjoy yourself. You seem hellbent on having a bad time. You were negative and pouty. Next time grow up.

Answer 6

Spasm is a symptom ,
Did he happen to mention the cause ?
Possibly a pinched sciatic nerve ? at what point ?
Like any injury , you should know the cause to effectively address a solution ,
Band-aid medicine is only for kids boo boos and the flu .

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