What Back Spasms Are Really Telling You (And Why Medication Isn’t the Whole Answer)
Have you ever bent over and suddenly felt your back lock up?
You’re not alone. Back spasms are one of the most common and frustrating experiences people face — and they often seem to come out of nowhere.
One minute you feel fine. The next, you’re frozen, in pain, and wondering if something slipped, tore, or broke.
Most people panic. And understandably so.
In many cases, the first step is calling your doctor or heading to urgent care. You're told it's a muscle spasm and are sent home with anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers.
Sometimes, that can help reduce the pain — and in fact, we often recommend patients talk to their PCP about those options when the pain is severe. But here’s the part most providers miss:
Back Spasms Are a Protective Response, Not the Root Problem
Back spasms are not the true issue. They’re a signal — the body’s way of saying:
“Something doesn’t feel stable. Let’s shut things down until it’s safe again.”
In most cases, the root cause of back spasms doesn’t show up on an X-ray or MRI. And it’s not always the result of one specific incident.
In our clinic, we see patients in the Bryn Mawr and Main Line area every week who experience spasms after:
Returning to the gym more consistently
Sitting for long periods
Lifting something slightly awkward or unfamiliar
What do they all have in common? Not a torn muscle or “slipped disc” — but underlying movement patterns that aren’t supporting their body well.
Common Movement Patterns That Contribute to Back Spasms
Some of the most common root causes we see include:
Repetitive rounding or bending of the lower back during everyday movements
Poor coordination between the hips, core, and spine
Bracing or tensing in ways that create excess pressure in the low back
Shallow or stress-related breathing patterns that limit spinal stability
These patterns build up over time. And while the pain may come on suddenly, the issue is usually weeks, months, or even years in the making.
Why Quick Fixes Don’t Work Long-Term
Yes, medication or rest can make things feel better in the short term. But that window of relief is temporary.
If you don’t address the reason the spasm happened in the first place, it’s likely to happen again.
And while that might sound discouraging, it’s actually good news — because it means there’s a solution.
Movement Is the Long-Term Fix
Once our patients understand that the spasm was simply their body’s way of protecting itself — not a sign of damage or injury — they feel more confident moving forward.
Here’s what recovery usually looks like:
Reassurance that the body is not broken
Gentle movement strategies like belly breathing, pelvic tilts, or core/glute activation
Progressively reintroducing movement in a way that builds trust and control
Learning how to stabilize through the hips and core instead of over-relying on the back
Most importantly, they start to feel in control again.
They stop fearing the next flare-up, and instead understand what led to the problem — and how to prevent it.
When to Get Help
If your back has ever locked up on you, or you’re dealing with lingering pain that hasn’t resolved with rest, stretching, or medication, it’s worth digging deeper.
Our clinic specializes in helping active adults in Bryn Mawr and the Main Line area recover from back spasms and related issues using a personalized, movement-based approach.
We don’t rely on quick fixes. We help you build confidence, strength, and long-term strategies that keep your back feeling better — and keep you moving like you used to.
Ready to take the next step?
Use the link below to schedule a call to talk with a provider.
