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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Muscle Spasm?

For over a week now, I wake up to pain and muscle spasms under the lower portion of my rib cage and middle back. The pain eases after movement and stretching but is excruciating until then to the point that I can not sit or lie down until it eases. I am having no symptoms to cause me to believe it's related to kidneys and it feels muscular in nature, even knotted up on both sides underneath my ribs. I have battled bronchitis and a nasty cough for over a month and believe the pain is related to bruised or cracked ribs. I first noticed the pain after a post workout coughing "marathon" where I may have also strained something in my workout. Pain is manageable during the day with some Advil, but of course I don't want to take this long-term. I have a firm mattress and haven't changed sleeping patterns (always sleep on side). I don't want to waste a trip to the doc if there is nothing they can tell me that I don't already know, but ready for some relief and a full night's sleep, as well as anxious to start my weight training and workouts again. Leaning forward seems to ease pain. Any advice?
Sat, 12 Apr 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

Backache looks like a positional anomaly. The back ache is a result of muscle spasm which in itself is a protective mechanism body develops so that the back avoids abnormal posture. For pain to go, it takes not only rest (on a comfortable bed) but also avoidance of particular positions (during work, rest or recreation).

While on work don't sit in one position for more than an hour and take frequent stretch breaks. Do not bend forward to lift things up, bend the knees and hips for that. Avoid any strenuous activity.

I suggest you to try back strengthening exercises by extension of the back muscles which can be taught by your Physiotherapist. This will help to relieve the possible muscle spasm which causes the pain.

Hot water fomentation to back 2-3 times a day and applying a local analgesic gel on the affected area will also help in providing a relief.
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How To Treat Muscle Spasm?

Hello, Thanks for your query. Backache looks like a positional anomaly. The back ache is a result of muscle spasm which in itself is a protective mechanism body develops so that the back avoids abnormal posture. For pain to go, it takes not only rest (on a comfortable bed) but also avoidance of particular positions (during work, rest or recreation). While on work don t sit in one position for more than an hour and take frequent stretch breaks. Do not bend forward to lift things up, bend the knees and hips for that. Avoid any strenuous activity. I suggest you to try back strengthening exercises by extension of the back muscles which can be taught by your Physiotherapist. This will help to relieve the possible muscle spasm which causes the pain. Hot water fomentation to back 2-3 times a day and applying a local analgesic gel on the affected area will also help in providing a relief.