How to Stop Back Spasms Naturally

There are many ways to relieve back spasms naturally. Of course there are other, shall we say non-natural ways to relieve back spasms. Various prescription drugs which aid in relaxing the muscles easing spasms and the pain. Most of us would probably choose natural means rather than drugs and all the various side effects as well as the expense of prescription drugs.

Of course there are times when prescription and over the counter drugs are necessary and beneficial. Think of ordinary aspirin and all the positive things it can do from headache relief to preventing a heart attack. Before looking at natural ways to stop back spasms, let's look at what causes these painful spasms. Back spasms are cause when muscles rapidly contract. This usually happens unexpectedly many times it's hard to determine an exact cause. Most spasm though painful doesn't last too long. Many of us have probably experienced spasms at one time or another. The problem occurs when you have repeated spasms. When this happens back spasms can really interfere in your daily life. These contractions can increase of time and even become permanent.

Some of the most common causes are:

1. Overworked muscles: Muscles can be overworked through exercise or work. Muscles become overtired resulting in rapid contraction of muscles.

2. Dehydration: Loss of fluids through exercise or heat, illness with resulting vomiting and diarrhea. Loss of fluids results in loss of essential salts and other important minerals such as calcium. This depleting of salts and minerals affect how muscles and nerves function.

3. Fatigue: Being overtired can lead to overworked muscles and dehydration can cause muscle spasms.

Based on some of these common causes the natural way to relieve back spasms can be fairly simple.

1. Don't overwork your muscles. Learn to give your muscles a rest. Exercising to the point of fatigue causes muscle break down and spasms.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water both before after and during exercising or physical work. It's not necessary to drink expensive energy drinks, for most of us water is the best sports drink.

3. Get a good night sleep. When your sleep your body is healing and rebuilding. Sleep is essential to preventing back spasms. If you're doing the above you should be lowering your chance of back spasms.

Now let's take the next step. Begin strengthening your body.

1. Correct stretching before and after exercising or engaging in sports, physical work and/or exercising.

2. Develop core strength. Practice Pilates or other body weight exercises that works and strengthen the core muscles.

3. Drop those pounds! Being overweight puts a strain on your back and leaves you a candidate for back spasms and pain.

4. Eat right: Stick to a diet that limits junk carbs and includes quality protein and fresh veggie and fruits. Not only will you lose weight, but you will also be putting high quality foods, vitamins and minerals into your body.

5. Taking supplements like niacin, calcium, vitamin E and magnesium can help ease spasms. Try taking them at bedtime can help lessen night cramps.

When experiencing spasms try a cold pack/hot pack. Sometimes heat and/or cold can be very effective. One may work better for some people than another. For me cold works, for my wife she swears by heat. There are alternatives to drugs. Today most people's first reaction is to call the doctor and request a drug. We expect fast relief when many times simply resting, using a heat/cold packs and if necessary an aspirin or other over the counter pain reliever can work wonders. It's important to realize that back pain and spasms are treatable with natural treatments. Beyond direct treatments taking action by exercising and losing weight can truly bring lasting relief.