Just like a fever is the result of an infection and not the cause of the illness, back spasms are a symptom, not the cause of a back problem.

The spasm is caused by irritation of nerves controlling the spinal joints and discs. These are the same nerves which control muscle contraction in the back. If the nerves are irritated, they produce pain and reflex spasm. A spasm is the body's way of stopping motion to protect an injured joint.

The body can sustain a spinal injury from one big trauma (such as an auto accident) or by the buildup of many small traumas (such as long term unbalanced posture from working on a computer, lifting, or other activity).

Restoring normal motion and allowing the body to first heal, and then move differently, is the most effective treatment.