Muscle Spasms
What is a Muscle Spasm?
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle that can range from a mild twitch to an intensely painful tightening that limits movement. In the back and neck, spasms are one of the most common causes of acute pain — and one of the most treatable when addressed early.
Common Causes of Muscle Spasms
- Sudden injury or strain to the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine
- Overuse or fatigue from repetitive movement
- Sports that involve pushing, pulling, or sudden twisting — weightlifting, football, basketball, baseball, and golf are common culprits
- Poor posture or prolonged sitting that leaves muscles chronically tight
- Underlying spinal misalignment that puts uneven stress on surrounding muscles
How Muscle Spasms Feel
Spasms often present as a sudden, sharp tightening, sometimes with visible muscle twitching, swelling, or tenderness in the affected area. Movement can be limited, and the muscle may feel hard or "locked up" to the touch.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Because spasms are frequently the body's protective response to an underlying issue — such as a joint restriction or spinal misalignment — treating only the muscle itself often provides short-lived relief. Dr. Neel Kumar evaluates the spine and surrounding joints to identify what's actually driving the spasm, then combines chiropractic adjustments with soft tissue therapy, and when needed, modalities like therapeutic ultrasound or electric stimulation, to relax the muscle and correct the underlying cause.
When to Seek Care
If a muscle spasm doesn't improve within a few days, keeps recurring, or comes with numbness or tingling, it's worth having it properly evaluated rather than waiting it out.
Dealing with a stubborn muscle spasm in your back or neck? Call or text (212) 245-5688 to schedule an evaluation with our team.