Management post treatment for lower back spasms

Simple lower back spasms 

is rarely dangerous

Diagnostic Criteria

 - presence of tight lower back muscles and symptoms which improves significantly with heat and massage

- absence of

1. neurological symptoms such as pins and needles, diminished strength/reflex, altered sensation 

2. history of trauma or dangerous mechanism

Prognosis 

- most symptoms rapidly resolve within a month and fully in 6 weeks

Do you need any imaging?

Imaging is rarely required.

Changes of the spinal structure is increasingly common as we get older. Such age-related changes of the spinal i.e the discs, joints and openings for the nerves are often found in people who are SYMPTOM-FREE! Most findings on scan are likely to be present pre-injury unless you had a traumatic injury. 

Therefore, the results of the scan will also not influence management of your injury. 

Cause of back spasms

- doing too much too soon

- sustained position for extended period

- unaccustomed/awkward movement

- high stress

- poor sleep 

Management

- stay active

- avoid bed rest for extended period

- gentle range of motion exercise for the lower back 

- pelvic tilt 

- knee drops

- avoid bracing behaviour

- NSAID

- improving sleep and stress

Hip

Gluteal tendinopathy

Greater trochanteric bursistis

Cam/Pincer lesion

Hip osteoarthritis

Knee 

 ACL tear

 Meniscus Lesion

 Patella tendinopathy

Hip osteoarthritis

Leg

Calf strain

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles paratendinopathy

Tibialis posterior tendinopathy

Achilles tendon rupture

Ankle

Inversion sprain

Eversion sprain 

High ankle sprain

Fracture

 

Foot

Plantar fasciitis

Referral for imaging/to ED

 In the presence of trauma, significant neurological changes and persisting symptoms you may be referred for imaging.