How are back spasms treated?

How are back spasms treated?

Healthcare providers used to prescribe bed rest for those who deal with back spasms. Such inactivity is no longer recommended. Instead, follow your provider's instructions about the following:

• Ice/heat: Apply ice or heat to the location of your back spasms. Wrap the ice pack or heating pad in a towel or pillowcase and apply it to your skin for 20 to 30 minutes. Then reapply after 20 to 30 minutes.
• Over-the-counter pain medications: Over-the-counter pain medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol®), naproxen (Aleve®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®).
• Muscle relaxants: Your provider may recommend taking a muscle relaxant like cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone or methocarbamol. If you do take them, take them at night (or when you're not operating a car or heavy machinery) and only for 72 hours or less.
• Physical therapy: Your healthcare provider might prescribe physical therapy, where you can learn relaxation techniques and stretches for your back muscles.