What Are Back Spasms? Symptoms, Causes, and Relief Options
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer
Back spasms are sudden, involuntary contractions of the back muscles, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, debilitating cramp. [1] Causes include inactivity, poor posture, overuse, low fluids or minerals, stress and trauma. [1] Treatment includes ice or heat, pain relievers and physical therapy, not bed rest. [1] [2] Seek urgent care for loss of bladder control, one-sided weakness or numbness. [1]
Key takeaways
A back spasm is when your back muscles suddenly tighten against your will: a twinge, seizure, or contraction. [1]
Around 80% of U.S. adults will have some type of back pain in their lifetime. [1]
Five main causes: underused muscles, overused muscles (strain), low water/potassium/calcium, stress and anxiety, and trauma. [1]
Pain can radiate to the hips or legs; spasms are not a sign of multiple sclerosis or labor. [1]
Treatment: ice or heat for 20 to 30 minutes, OTC pain medication, muscle relaxants for 72 hours or less, physical therapy. Bed rest is no longer recommended. [1] [2]
Overuse spasms last a few days; strain-related spasms can take several weeks to heal. [1]
Go to the emergency department for red flags: loss of bladder/bowel control, one-sided numbness or weakness, loss of balance, or inability to move. [1]
What the research says
Staying active beats bed rest for acute low back pain. A Cochrane review of ten randomized trials found that, for acute low back pain, two trials (401 participants) showed small improvements in pain relief (SMD 0.22; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.41) and functional status (SMD 0.29; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.49) with advice to stay active compared with advice to rest in bed. For sciatica, there was little or no difference between the two approaches. (Dahm et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2010) [2]
Muscle relaxants may ease acute back pain, but the evidence is mixed. A BMJ meta-analysis of 31 trials (6,505 participants) found, with very low certainty, that non-benzodiazepine antispasmodics reduced acute low back pain by 7.7 points on a 0-100 scale at two weeks or less (95% CI -12.1 to -3.3), but did not reduce disability and might raise the risk of an adverse event (RR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.0). The authors call the pain reduction small and not clinically important. An earlier review of five trials (496 participants) reported clinically significant short-term pain relief in acute low back pain (mean difference -21.3; 95% CI -29.0 to -13.5). (Cashin et al., BMJ, 2021 [3]; Abdel Shaheed et al., Eur J Pain, 2017 [4])
Exercise and heat were among the most effective treatments for pain. A network meta-analysis of 46 randomized trials (8,765 participants) in acute and subacute non-specific low back pain found the largest short-term pain reductions versus an inert therapy with exercise (SMD -1.40; 95% CI -2.41 to -0.40) and heat wraps (SMD -1.38; 95% CI -2.60 to -0.17), followed by opioids, manual therapy, and NSAIDs (SMD -0.53; 95% CI -0.97 to -0.09). The authors concluded that non-pharmacological treatment should come first, and that NSAIDs and muscle relaxants offer the best harm-benefit balance among medicines, with uncertainty in the evidence. (Gianola et al., Br J Sports Med, 2022) [5]
What Are Back Spasms?
A spasm is when your muscles suddenly tighten against your will. [1] They may painfully twinge, seize, or contract. The muscles in your upper, middle, and lower back are divided into three types: intrinsic (deep) muscles, superficial muscles, and intermediate muscles. [1]
A spasm in your back muscles is a common type of back pain. Spasms can be tiny twinges or crippling contractions. Lower back spasms are more common, but any muscle can contract. [1]
How Common Are Back Spasms?
Around 80% of people in the U.S. have had or will have some sort of back pain in their lives. [1] Back spasms and other back pain are, unfortunately, common.
Who Is More Likely to Get Back Spasms?
Athletes, those who do heavy lifting, and anyone with other types of back pain are more likely to experience back spasms. [1]
How Do Back Spasms Start?
Back spasms can start with no warning, or they may begin as a mild twitch that builds to agonizing pain. [1]
What Causes Back Spasms?
There are several possible causes of back spasms:
Cause category | How it leads to spasms |
Not using your muscles enough | Sitting too much, poor posture, or not exercising weakens your back and stomach muscles, and weak muscles can spasm |
Using your muscles too much | Athletes and heavy lifters can develop a muscle strain (a tear), which causes inflammation |
Dietary issues | Too little water, potassium, and/or calcium in your diet |
Mental/emotional health | Anxiety and stress can tense up your muscles |
Trauma | Injuring your back in a fall or car accident |
Can stress cause back spasms?
Yes. Talk to your healthcare provider about a referral to a therapist who can help you manage your stress and anxiety. [1]
Could Back Spasms Signal Something More Serious?
Sometimes your back spasms may mean that you have a serious condition:
Serious condition | Notes |
Epidural abscess | An infection-related collection near the spinal cord |
Gallstones | Hardened deposits in the gallbladder |
Stiff person syndrome | A rare disorder causing progressive stiffness and spasms |
Ankylosing spondylitis | An inflammatory disease that fuses spinal joints |
Kidney stones | Hard mineral deposits in the kidneys |
Kidney infection | An infection of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) |
Tumor | An abnormal growth that can press on nerves |
There are also disorders that cause pain like a back spasm, but that isn't actually a back spasm:
Look-alike condition | How it mimics a spasm |
Spinal arthritis | Arthritis in the spine causes pain and stiffness |
Herniated disk | A bulging disk can press on nerves |
Spinal stenosis | Narrowing of the spinal canal |
Scoliosis or lordosis | Curvature of the spine alters how muscles work |
Spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis | Vertebral stress fractures or slippage |
Are back spasms a sign of multiple sclerosis?
No. But back spasms are a symptom of other serious diseases like gallstones and ankylosing spondylitis. [1]
Are back spasms a sign of labor?
No. If you're in labor, you'll feel the muscles in your uterus contract, not your back. [1] But you may have back pain in your lower back as part of "back labor."
What Are the Symptoms of Back Spasms?
A back spasm may feel mild like a dull ache or twitch, or it can get so sharp and painful that it's debilitating. [1]
Sometimes pain from a back spasm can radiate. This means the pain starts in your back but moves to other parts of your body like your legs or hips. [1]
Symptom | Description |
Dull ache | A mild, persistent soreness |
Muscle twitch | A small, involuntary fluttering in the back muscles |
Sharp, seizing pain | A sudden cramp that can be debilitating |
Radiating pain | Pain that starts in the back and moves to the hips or legs |
Can back spasms cause chest pain?
You should always go to the emergency room if you have chest pain. Pain in your back can sometimes radiate to other parts of your body, but it's usually to your hips or legs. [1]
How Long Do Back Spasms Last?
If you use your back muscles too much, you may have spasms for a few days. It may take several weeks if there's a muscle strain. [1]
How Are Back Spasms Diagnosed?
After talking to you about your symptoms and getting a list of your medications, your healthcare provider may ask about your entire medical history. Be sure to mention any trauma to your back. Your provider may diagnose your back spasms based on the symptoms you describe. [1]
You can see your primary healthcare provider about your back spasms. If needed, they may send you to a specialist. [1]
What questions might a healthcare provider ask?
Diagnostic question | Why it matters |
What does the pain feel like? | Describes the spasm's character |
Where is the pain located? | Identifies the affected muscle group |
Have you ever lost control of your bowel or bladder? | Checks for a serious red-flag symptom |
How long do the spasms last? | Helps gauge severity and cause |
How often do you have back spasms? | Distinguishes one-time from recurrent spasms |
Any stiffness? | Suggests related spinal conditions |
Do you get tingling or numbness? | Points to possible nerve involvement |
Do you feel weak or uncoordinated during spasms? | Checks for neurological red flags |
What medications are you taking? | Rules out medication effects and interactions |
How Are Back Spasms Treated?
Healthcare providers used to prescribe bed rest for those who deal with back spasms. That inactivity is no longer recommended. [1] [2] Instead, follow your provider's instructions about the following:
Treatment option | How to use it |
Ice/heat | Wrap the ice pack or heating pad in a towel or pillowcase and apply it to your skin for 20 to 30 minutes, then reapply after 20 to 30 minutes |
Over-the-counter pain medications | Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), naproxen (Aleve®), or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) |
Muscle relaxants | Cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, or methocarbamol: take them at night (or when you're not operating a car or heavy machinery) and only for 72 hours or less |
Physical therapy | Learn relaxation techniques and stretches for your back muscles |
Do muscle relaxants have side effects?
The side effects of muscle relaxants include confusion and drowsiness. [1] Refer to the instructions that come with your prescription regarding dosages and when you can operate a vehicle.
What kind of healthcare provider treats back spasms?
Your primary healthcare provider can recommend at-home treatments, refer you to physical therapy, and prescribe muscle relaxants, if necessary. [1]
What Happens if Back Spasms Go Untreated?
It's possible that your back spasms may go away on their own, but it depends on what caused them. [1] Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan for your situation.
Can Back Spasms Go Away on Their Own?
Yes, but they may also come back. [1]
When Can I Return to My Normal Activities?
You might heal after a couple of days, or it could take weeks. [1] Talk to your healthcare provider about a recovery plan.
What Other Symptoms Can Occur Alongside Back Spasms?
Although back spasms don't cause and aren't caused by the following symptoms, they sometimes happen at the same time:
Group | Co-occurring symptoms |
Other pain | Backache, shoulder pain, arm pain, headache, hip pain, buttock pain, sciatica |
Stiffness | Neck stiffness, spine stiffness |
Other conditions | Leg weakness, a curved spine, numbness, tingling |
How Can I Prevent Back Spasms?
Back spasms aren't 100% preventable. But consistent self-care can help:
Prevention step | Detail |
Exercise | Stay active; aim for about three times a week |
Good posture | Sit with good posture |
Stress management | Manage stress and anxiety |
Frequent movement | Get up and stretch after you've been sitting for 30 minutes |
Remember that it's important to stay active even when you're in pain (as long as that pain isn't caused by over-using your muscles). Get up and stretch every 30 minutes and exercise three times a week. [1] To help with your pain, take over-the-counter medications and muscle relaxants and get a massage. [1] Always discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider so that you can get the best care.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Department?
Call 911 if you're unable to move because of the pain. [1]
Back spasms are sometimes a symptom of a serious condition. [1] See your healthcare provider right away if you also experience:
Red-flag symptom | What to do |
Loss of bladder or bowel control | See your provider right away |
Muscle weakness in arms or legs | See your provider right away |
Odd sensations, numbness, or weakness on one side of your body | See your provider right away |
Loss of balance and coordination | See your provider right away |
Loss of a sense of feeling in a limb or limbs | See your provider right away |
Unable to move because of the pain | Call 911 |
If you're debating whether or not to go to the emergency department, it's better to go and be told you're not in serious condition than to stay home. [1]
What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider?
Question | Purpose |
What's the best treatment for me? | Personalizes your care plan |
Do my back spasms mean that I have a serious disorder? | Rules out underlying conditions |
Should I see a therapist for help with my stress? | Addresses stress-related muscle tension |
Should I try a muscle relaxant? | Weighs medication benefits and limits |
Conclusion
Back spasms are one of the most common forms of back pain: a sudden, involuntary tightening of the muscles that can range from a harmless twinge to a crippling contraction. [1] Around 80% of people in the U.S. will experience back pain in their lifetime, and most spasms trace back to five familiar culprits: muscles that are underused from too much sitting, muscles that are overused from heavy lifting or athletics, dietary shortfalls of water, potassium, or calcium, stress and anxiety, and trauma. [1]
The good news is that most spasms resolve quickly. Overuse-related spasms clear within a few days, while strain-related spasms can take several weeks, and the treatment formula is simple: timed ice or heat, over-the-counter pain medication, short-course muscle relaxants when needed, and physical therapy. [1] Notably, bed rest is no longer recommended [1] [2]; staying active, stretching every 30 minutes of sitting, and exercising regularly are the best long-term defenses. The key is knowing when a spasm is more than it seems: loss of bladder or bowel control, one-sided numbness or weakness, loss of balance, or pain so severe you can't move all warrant immediate emergency care. [1] And if you create health education materials, Rinnit's infographic templates can help you turn back-pain topics like this one into clear, visual guides for your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a back spasm?
A spasm is when your muscles suddenly tighten against your will. They may painfully twinge, seize, or contract. A spasm in your back muscles is a common type of back pain, and it can range from a tiny twinge to a crippling contraction. [1]
How common are back spasms?
Around 80% of people in the U.S. have had or will have some sort of back pain in their lives. [1] Lower back spasms are the most common, but any back muscle can contract. [1]
What causes back spasms?
Possible causes include not using your muscles enough (too much sitting, poor posture, lack of exercise), using your muscles too much (athletics and heavy lifting causing a muscle strain), too little water, potassium, and/or calcium in your diet, stress and anxiety, and trauma such as a fall or car accident. [1]
Can stress cause back spasms?
Yes. Anxiety and stress can tense up your muscles. [1] A healthcare provider may refer you to a therapist who can help you manage stress and anxiety. [1]
Are back spasms a sign of multiple sclerosis?
No. Back spasms are a symptom of other serious diseases like gallstones and ankylosing spondylitis, but not multiple sclerosis. [1]
Are back spasms a sign of labor?
No. In labor, the muscles of the uterus contract, not your back, though you may have lower back pain as part of "back labor." [1]
Why does the pain spread to my legs?
Pain from a back spasm can radiate, meaning it starts in your back but moves to other parts of your body like your legs or hips. [1]
How long do back spasms last?
If you use your back muscles too much, spasms may last a few days. If there's a muscle strain, it may take several weeks. [1]
How are back spasms treated?
Ice or heat (wrapped in a towel and applied for 20 to 30 minutes, then reapplied after 20 to 30 minutes), over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen, muscle relaxants for 72 hours or less, and physical therapy to learn stretches and relaxation techniques. [1]
Is bed rest recommended?
No. Providers used to prescribe bed rest, but that inactivity is no longer recommended. [1] Staying active, including stretching and regular exercise, is preferred. [1] [2]
What are the side effects of muscle relaxants?
Confusion and drowsiness. Take them at night or when you're not operating a car or heavy machinery, and only for 72 hours or less. [1]
Can back spasms go away on their own?
Yes, but they may also come back. [1] If left untreated, spasms may resolve depending on their cause [1], so talk to your provider about the best treatment plan.
What other symptoms can accompany back spasms?
Spasms don't cause or result from them, but they can occur alongside other pain (backache, shoulder, arm, head, hip, or buttock pain; sciatica), stiffness (neck, spine), and conditions like leg weakness, a curved spine, numbness, or tingling. [1]
How do I prevent back spasms?
Back spasms aren't 100% preventable, but consistent self-care helps: exercise, sit with good posture, manage stress, and get up and stretch after sitting for 30 minutes. [1]
When should I go to the emergency department?
Call 911 if you're unable to move because of the pain. [1] Seek immediate care if you also experience loss of bladder or bowel control, muscle weakness in the arms or legs, numbness or weakness on one side of your body, loss of balance and coordination, or loss of feeling in a limb. [1] If in doubt, it's better to go and be told you're not seriously hurt than to stay home. [1]
What questions should I ask my provider?
Good questions include: What's the best treatment for me? Do my spasms mean I have a serious disorder? Should I see a therapist for my stress? Should I try a muscle relaxant?
Related Reading
References
Cleveland Clinic. Back Spasms. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Last updated April 26, 2022. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22881-back-spasms
Dahm KT, Brurberg KG, Jamtvedt G, et al. Advice to rest in bed versus advice to stay active for acute low-back pain and sciatica. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007612. PMID: 20556780. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007612.pub2
Cashin AG, Folly T, Bagg MK, et al. Efficacy, acceptability, and safety of muscle relaxants for adults with non-specific low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2021;374:n1446. PMID: 34233900. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1446
Abdel Shaheed C, Maher CG, Williams KA, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of muscle relaxants for low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pain. 2017;21(2):228-237. PMID: 27329976. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.907
Gianola S, Bargeri S, Del Castillo G, et al. Effectiveness of treatments for acute and subacute mechanical non-specific low back pain: a systematic review with network meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2022;56(1):41-50. PMID: 33849907. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-103596
Arthritis Foundation. Back Pain. Arthritis Foundation. Published May 22, 2025. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/back-pain
National Library of Medicine. Back Pain. MedlinePlus. Last updated June 29, 2025. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/backpain.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. Muscle cramp: symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. March 7, 2023. Accessed October 15, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-cramp/symptoms-causes/syc-20350820
Medical disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are unable to move because of the pain, call 911. Seek urgent care right away for loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, loss of balance, or loss of feeling in a limb.
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