Back pain affects about 23% of all adults at some point in their lifetimes. It can be linked to nerve compression, herniated discs and even something as simple as tight muscles. If you’re dealing with tight muscles that are causing you back pain, it’s time for you to read up here.
What can cause tight muscles?
You might be surprised to learn that several factors can cause tight muscles to develop over time. Browse through the list below to determine if your tight muscles have been caused by any of the following:
- Stress — One of the most common causes of muscle tension is stress. The state of your mind can have a profound effect on the state of your body. If you’re going through some major life events or feel that you’re under stress, your muscle tension could reflect that. You may have tighter muscles that can make it hard to move or feel comfortable if you’re experiencing a significant amount of stress.
- Overuse — Overuse is another common cause of tight muscles. Using your body too frequently to perform the same motions over and over can place a lot of strain on your muscles. If you’re an athlete or you have a job that requires performing the same movements each day, your muscles may be extra stiff from overuse.
- Inactivity — On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you don’t get much physical activity in, this could be why you’re experiencing tight muscles. The muscles in your body are meant to move regularly to perform their best, so when you don’t move as much as you’re supposed to, your muscles may begin to get tight.
- Dehydration — Dehydration is another reason for tight muscles. Your muscles need fluids, like water, to perform at their full capacity. Dehydration has the potential to cause not only muscle tightness but also muscle cramping. If you’re experiencing either of those, make sure you’re increasing your water intake.
Why can tight muscles cause back pain?
Tight muscles can cause pain and discomfort virtually anywhere in the body. When the muscles in the back or the muscles near the back are tight, this is when there’s the most potential for muscle-related back pain to exist. Tight lower back muscles can cause symptoms including muscle pain, cramps and stiffness.
What treatment methods can help someone with back pain from tight muscles?
There are a few treatment methods that someone with back pain from tight muscles could benefit from. See if any of these below are right for you:
- Physical therapy — Physical therapy is an effective method for treating back pain from tight muscles. Physical therapy is designed to treat the root of a condition without the need for any invasive and painful interventions. It encourages whole-body treatment, rather than treating an isolated area of the body. The effects of physical therapy are long lasting and may even reduce the need for surgical procedures for some patients. If you’re dealing with back pain from tight muscles, a physical therapist will work to help make your pain more manageable.
- Heat or ice packs — Heat packs or ice packs may be able to help reduce inflammation and soothe the pain for those who have muscle pain and tightness. This is a short-term yet still effective method for treating pain at home.
- Anti-inflammatory medication — Another effective way to treat pain at home before you can receive professional care is by taking anti-inflammatory medications. Taking medicines like NSAIDs can reduce the inflammation and pain you may be experiencing due to tight muscles and back pain.
Ready to take the next step toward finding relief? Let Alliance PTP be the one to guide you
Ready to try in-person physical therapy for your injury or condition? You’ll find plenty of options to choose from among the Alliance Physical Therapy Partners practices nationwide.
Our team can quickly put you in touch with one of our partner clinics near you, and their friendly and knowledgeable local staff can help you find care for your back pain.
Don’t have the time to see a physical therapist in person? Not a problem. Alliance PTP and its partners can also see you virtually in nearly every state.
Still have questions about what we and our partners can do for you? We’re ready to answer them and help you find the physical therapy you need.
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