Tight Back Muscles and Back Pain

Have you ever thought of tense and tight back muscles as a cause of back pain?

I have been told again and again that my upper back pain, middle back pain, or lower back pain...

...can be the result of back muscles that have tightened from physical overexertion, an abnormality in the spine or hips...

...or as a result of emotional stress and physical tension.

This website is written by a practitioner NOT a patient. If you experience back pain be sure to consult with a trained medical professional.

Tight Back Muscles from Physical Activity

Simple day-to-day tasks, such as house cleaning, gardening, lifting heavy objects, or even a regular exercise routine, can easily cause tightness in back muscles...

...which may result in back stiffness, soreness in the back, or a back muscle spasm.

Doing warm-up exercise before taking part in activities that tend to overuse the back muscles may be one of the best ways to prevent back muscle tightness, and...

...using correct posture as you do your chores can also be an effective way to prevent back muscle pain.

Once back muscles tighten, they are more susceptible to back injury, and therefore should be treated. I have been told by my own physical therapist, that along with rest, the best treatment for tight back muscles consists of...

...ice therapy and/or heat therapy to relieve discomfort...

...as well as massage therapy and easy exercises to strengthen back muscles, while gently stretching them.

You may also be interested in:
Back Exercises
Back Muscles
Chronic Back Pain

Tight Back Muscles from Spine and Hip Problems

Scoliosis, bone spurs, arthritis, and sacroiliac joint inflammation...

...are just a few of the problems that can affect the hip and back. And when they do, the discomfort caused by them may discourage an individual from being as physically active as they need to be to keep muscles stretched. As a result...

...muscles can become contracted and cause a painful back tightness. I know from experience!

When tight back muscles are the result of underlying problem, and not due to physical activity or stress, it can be very useful to work with a physical rehabilitation specialist.

Although a physical therapist will still likely suggest exercising back muscles, in combination with either heat or ice therapy, and maybe massage therapy, they will be able to prescribe treatment that is very targeted to the source of the ailment.

Tight Back Muscles from Stress and Tension

Emotional stress and physical tension are attributed to many types of problems. Among them, occasional back pain, and long term chronic back pain.

However, it can be difficult to recognize muscle tension and stress as the culprit of discomfort.

As you sit at the computer, have you ever paid really close attention to your own back muscles - especially when you are typing? Do so, and you may be amazed at how rigidly you hold your back, and tense back muscles.

Without even realizing it...

...many of us tense back muscles continually throughout the day. Finding good ways to reduce stress, and ways to relieve stress, are often important in eliminating this problem.

Good sitting posture, correct standing posture, and the right desk ergonomics...

...can also be helpful in preventing back pain from stress.

As with back muscles that are tight from physical exertion, tight muscles from stress are also often treated with...

...ice therapy and/or heat therapy, massage therapy and gentle stretch exercise.

To avoid further damage...
Treat a pulled back muscle and a back injury with care and consult a qualified professional for treatment.