Use 'spiral up' to describe something increasing quickly, often in a situation that's hard to control. After the crisis, unemployment rates began to spiral up.
Pro Tip 2/3
Negative Connotation
'Spiral up' sometimes implies a negative outcome or an unwelcome situation. Violence in the region has started to spiral up again.
Pro Tip 3/3
Metaphorical Use
The phrase can be used figuratively to describe situations, not only physical quantities. Tensions between the two countries continue to spiral up.