Muscle Spasms

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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

Muscle Spasms

Symptoms of Muscle Spasms

Causes of Muscle Spasms

Remedies for Muscle Spasms

Risk Factors

Additional Resources