Back spasms

[Peter Beer]

Does anyone get back muscle spasms in the middle part of their lower back ? I get them every few months, typically after having done a yoga class or other stretching. The muscle spasm then takes 4-5 days to disappear and is quite painful, especially so when getting up from a period of sitting / lying down.

I am always being told by specialists that I need to get more flexible - but every time I try to become more flexible my back spasms ! No stretching and my back is basically ok - crazy I know.

Does anyone have any similar experience and any ideas as to how to get more flexible without the back going into spasm after being stretched? Any thoughts really appreciated !

Many thanks,

Pete

[Grouse]

When my back first 'went' a few years ago I used yoga to put it right, still have to when it goes and I should do the stretches as routine instead of just when I need to as preventative. I found out that any bending forward exercise were bad and use forward bends like the locust ( ithink it is anyway) I put together a bit of a routine which seems to work. I have also found that since then sit ups are a no - no. Sonds like you need to keep it flexible, also be very careful when lifting etc. I think posture is very important. Also, climbing seems to be brilliant at keeping backs healthy.

[Grouse]

Also - I think my problem is a slipped disc (which I know is a bit of a misnomer but I looked it up and had all the classic signs.) I know when it is coming on usually , after getting complacent about , tired and so on and do the stretches, maybe go on the climbing wall - oh and fell running seems to do it the power of good although I suspect that running on the road can exacerbate back problems (and no I'm not just saying that!)

[Peter Beer]

Thanks for the tips, Grouse - useful stuff. Use of a climbing wall as a remedial measure isn't one I've heard before :-).

[lowlanderkev]

Yeh i get these spasms , im currently trying to get over some lower back pain. Im not sure what sets it off just every now and again i will start getting lower back pain then with spasms. twice now i have been in so much pain i couldnt move and had to caqll the doc out .

I got told it was inflamed muscle and it would press on a nerve, this is what causes the spasm . I got strong painkillers and anti inflamtorys and some diazpam thats ment to relax the muscles to stop the spasms.

No cure just takes time to go away. if i just new what sets it off. i had a 5k road run and next day i was in pain. time before that there was no run but i was playing with my lad and thought maybe i lifted him wrong. But im pretty sure the running agrevates it )

I have been trying to work on my core strenth as i heard this helps , also im trying to shed a couple pounds so there is less strain.

[Pilgrim]

You may find an inversion table helps.

[lowlanderkev]

I have no room for one of them

I have also heard having flat feet can cause lower back pain. ( i have flat feet ) (

[Gaz]

Can't give specific advice without assessing your problem but have you tried hamstring stretches, core stability exercises etc?

[Jez Hellewell]

I had half a disc removed about 14 years ago. Since then I would get regular relapses & be in agony for a few days. 2 years ago I slipped 2 discs & had to have 3 weeks off work. A physio friend of mine told me that the advice on slipped discs has changed dramatically in recent years. Basically, you should get moving as soon as & as much as possible. If it really hurts stop, if not keep going to strengthen it back up. When fully fit I started to do core exercises 2-3 times a week & swimming (front crawl, not breaststroke - it's easier on the back apparently). Touch wood, in the 2 subsequent years I have not had a problem with my back.