What causes back cramps?

Back cramps are a type of muscle spasm that occurs in the back. So what are the causes of back cramps? How can we prevent them in our daily lives?

There are three causes

Fatigue

When the body is tired, the normal physiological function of the back muscles will change. At this time, a large amount of lactic acid will accumulate in the muscles, and the lactic acid will constantly stimulate the muscles and cause cramps.

Electrolyte imbalance

Because of the heavy sweating during exercise, a lot of electrolytes will be lost. The main components of sweat are water and salt, and salt is related to muscle contraction. Excessive salt loss will make the muscles in the back or other parts excited and cause cramps.

The stimulation of cold

In cold weather, such as when swimming, you are exposed to cold water, especially if you are not fully prepared for warm-up exercises. This is mainly because the muscles become more excited due to the cold.

Identification and diagnosis

1. Subtle numbness and discomfort in the back: Subtle numbness and discomfort in the back is considered to be caused by neuralgia. Pain is one of the common symptoms of neurology. This type of pain refers to the pain felt without external stimulation, also known as spontaneous pain. There are many types of spontaneous pain, which can be divided into peripheral neuralgia and central neuralgia according to the location of the lesion.

2. Back pain: mainly radiating pain, soreness, squeezing pain, coughing pain, pulling pain, etc. in the waist, back, shoulders, and legs. Mild pain may affect normal life, while severe pain may damage health and even lead to loss of working ability.

The onset is usually sudden pain in the lower back when stretching or twisting the back. At first, you can continue to exercise. But after 2-3 hours, muscle bleeding will cause the tendons to become stiff and unable to move.

Spasms are usually very painful and any movement makes the pain worse. Patients often tend to lie still, curled up with their knees, and flex their spine.

Preventive measures

External application of Wuzhi ointment: Wuzhi ointment can repair damaged tissues, enhance body functions, and thus achieve the purpose of recovery and healing.

Exercise therapy: Exercise can increase muscle flexibility and joint flexibility, and can also enhance muscle strength and endurance, thereby improving blood circulation throughout the body and relieving physical and mental stress. Exercise can also help prevent pain or help eliminate back pain. It is the most important and effective method for treating back pain. Currently, the best light exercise is Tai Chi, Qigong and swimming.

Massage therapy: Massage can help release or reduce physical and mental stress and relax tense muscles, so it is also one of the important ways to eliminate back pain.

Traction therapy: This method helps to widen the distance between vertebrae for patients with intervertebral disc herniation and lumbar foramen stenosis, prevent bone spurs or cartilage from compressing nerves, and help relieve pain symptoms.

Acupuncture therapy: Acupuncture can promote blood circulation and relieve pain, and is effective for acute pain. For patients with chronic lumbar muscle strain, local warm moxibustion can be applied, which has the effect of relaxing muscles and activating tendons.

.Physical therapy: including ultrasound, electrotherapy, hot and cold compresses, etc. Ultrasound can penetrate deep into muscle tissue, generate heat energy, and help relieve pain and swelling. Electrotherapy uses electrical stimulation to make muscle cells move regularly, relieving muscle hardening and cramping. Cold compress is suitable for acute pain within one or two days, and has the effect of relieving pain and swelling; while hot compress is more suitable for chronic pain, and can improve local circulation and enhance tissue recovery ability.

Drug treatment: For local swelling, heat and pain, you can apply drugs that promote blood circulation, reduce swelling and clear heat. If there is no swelling but pain, you can apply trauma ointment. For oral administration, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics are generally used. Be sure to consult a doctor before using oral medications.