Muscle Spasms

Kelen Caswell
Kelen Caswell
Owosso, MI
Very knowledgeable staff and great relief from back pain and headaches.
James Woodworth
James Woodworth
Owosso, MI
I couldn't be happier with the results I've seen. I always leave feeling they truly care about my health and wellness.
Brian Keesler
Brian Keesler
Owosso, MI
Drs. Cushman is absolutely amazing! I lived in constant pain and I am virtually pain free now.
Laurie Haase
Laurie Haase
Owosso, MI
Wonderful doctors and staff. So caring and friendly. They’ve helped me so much. I highly recommend these doctors!
Richard Ross
Richard Ross
Owosso, MI
Dr. Kenn and his wife Dr. Amanda have corrected our chronic skeletal problems with diminishing pain and finally no pain!
Judy Mills
Judy Mills
New Lothrop, MI
The doctors are wonderful and very caring. Their staff is very helpful.
Diane Wisniewski
Diane Wisniewski
Owosso, MI
I highly recommend the Shiawassee Spinal Center.

A muscle spasm is the involuntarily and violent contraction of a muscle without relaxing. Muscle spasms are usually short-lived and most often occur in the thighs, calves, hands, arms, arches of the feet, and abdomen. 

Symptoms of Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasm discomfort ranges in intensity from a mild twitch to severe pain.  Muscle spasms can cause weakness, tremors, slowing movement, sleeplessness, numbness of the skin, pain in the neck, back, and/or head, poor coordination, and double vision.

Causes of Muscle Spasms

  • Muscle Fatigue – Muscle fatigue is the weakening of muscles due to overuse and exhaustion. Muscle fatigue is common after exercise and may result in soreness, shortness of breath, twitching, and cramps. 
  • Dehydration – Dehydration is when the body lacks water. Adults should drink three liters of water every day. 
  • Electrolyte Imbalance – Electrolytes are minerals that move nutrients to cells, help muscles to relax and contract, as well as many other vital functions. Examples of electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. 
  • Physical Activity – Strenuous physical activity can cause over-stimulation of muscles resulting in muscle spasms. 
  • Nerve Compression – The compression of nerves in the spine can cause muscle spasms in the back and legs. Regular chiropractic adjustments are recommended to prevent nerve compression.

Remedies for Muscle Spasms

  • Stretching and/or Gentle Massaging
  • Ice and Heat – Place an ice pack or heating pad on the cramping muscle. Sometimes alternating between cold and heat gives relief. 
  • Drink Water – Adults should drink three liters of water every day. 
  • Light Exercises -Exercise keeps your joints loose, strengthens the muscles around your joints, and keeps your body in motion.
  • Over-the-Counter Pain-Relieving Creams – Pain relievers can help to mask the discomfort caused by muscle spasms. Pain relievers should be used in collaboration with preventative measures. 
  • Percussive Therapy – Percussive therapy relaxes and loosens up tense and cramped muscles while also increasing blood flow. 

Risk Factors

  • Tight, inflexible muscles
  • Untoned muscles
  • Muscle injury
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Poor physical condition
  • Physically overexerting
  • Poor diet
  • Old age
  • Pregnancy