A muscle spasm is when a muscle involuntarily contracts, causing a great deal of pain. Muscle spasms can affect many muscles in the body. As related to back pain, when the facet joints are injured or inflamed, the spines supporting muscles can spasm, causing both pain and limited motion.

Treatment for muscle spasm usually involves muscle relaxants and exercise therapy. Muscle relaxants work by sedating the muscle, and exercise stretches the muscle so it is less likely to strain, tear, or spasm.

Dr. Tariq may also suggest other remedies, such as heat.