Negligence of health can land you into many health complications. Nowadays, people are not aware of the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. Mostly, people are dealing with health problems that are related to muscle spasms which are becoming quite common these days. Today, We will shed light on the muscle spasm problem and will know what causes muscle spasms. You will get to know about muscle spasms, their causes, prevention, and treatment.
What is a Muscle Spasm?
The main function of muscles is contraction which helps in movement. When a muscle involuntarily gets contracted in an uncontrolled manner and is not able to relax, this condition is known as Muscle Spasm.
It is commonly called Charley Horse. A spasm is a feeling of jerky motion that can occur in any part of your body, but most often it takes place in the legs.
Twitching is also associated with muscles. It is a painless contraction occurring for a short time duration.
Kinds of Muscle Cramps
There are common types of muscular cramps that occur in any part of the body. Here are some of the reason given in the below:
- Leg spasm also called Charley Horse
- Arm spasm
- Neck spasm
- Chest spasm
- Rib cage spasm
- Abdomen spasm
- Back spasm
Causes For Muscle Spasms
You may feel muscle cramps while sitting, walking, sleeping, exercising, etc., which might occur at any time and anywhere in your body.
For example, thighs, arms, hands, feet, abdomen etc. Muscle spasm mostly occurs in those people who are not physically active. Here are some reasons that may cause such spasms:-
- Dehydration – Fluids are essential for your body and mostly for the muscles. Water should be consumed in a good amount. Liquid helps muscles to be contracted and relaxed. Dehydration irritates and it is the main reason for muscle spasms.
- Stress- Stress is also a reason for muscle cramps. During stress, your body releases Adrenaline hormone, which increases blood pressure and blood flow. This creates tension around muscles.
- Low Electrolyte- The body requires minerals to carry out the body function. For instance, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc., should be required in adequate amounts. An imbalance in these electrolytes in the body can cause spasms or cramps. Excess sweating and exercise may deplete these electrolytes from your body.
- Lack of Movement- When you don’t walk enough or stay in the same position for a long time may lead to cramps. Lack of stretching may cause muscle spasms.
- Lack of Sleep- If you are not getting quality sleep then it might affect your health. There are chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) which released in the brain. When a person does not get enough sleep the function of these neurotransmitters gets interrupted which will lead to pain in muscles.
- Medication- Some medicines may have adverse reactions or side effects. It develops the urge to pass urine more frequently. This will decrease the amount of minerals in the body and may lead to muscle cramps.
Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D Deficiency- These are vital nutrients that are required for proper muscle function in the body. Deficiency in these nutrients may cause muscle weakness or twitching.
Overuse of Caffeine- Coffee contains caffeine which acts as a stimulant. Consuming too much caffeine can trigger muscle spasms in any part of your body. - Muscle Fatigue- Vigorous exercises for a long time may weaken the muscles and cause muscle fatigue. Due to overexertion, muscles get exhausted which triggers the cramping and decreases muscle contraction.
Serious Causes For Muscle Spasms
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Serotonin Syndrome (associated with certain medicines)
- Muscular Dystrophies (inherited diseases, that occur in the face, neck, hip shoulders, etc.)
- Isaac’s Syndrome (affects leg and arm muscles)
- Myopathy (a neuromuscular disorder which leads to stiffness)
- Hoffmann Syndrome (painful spasms in arms, legs, and tongue)
Signs And Symptoms of Muscle Spasm
Sometimes spasms may be painful and may remain for a long time. Muscle cramps can vary from moderate to serious. Sometimes you may feel stiffness in the muscle and not able to move a little bit. This stiffness remains for a few minutes to a day or more. There are some symptoms such as:-
- Coordination problem
- Skin weakness and numbness
- Trouble sleeping
- Paralysis
- Vision problem
- Muscle pain (neck, head and back)
Who May Become Prone to Muscle Cramps?
- People who are above the age of 65
- Athletics
- Young children
- Overweight people
How Muscle Spasms Can Be Treated
Muscle spasms don’t need any treatment because they are short-lived and often not painful. They may get resolved without any treatment. You may try these things, such as:-
Massage
You can massage gently with your hands over the cramped muscles. It can be an effective way to get relief from those cramps.
Hot or Cold Therapy
You can apply an ice pack for a couple of minutes to treat muscle spasms. Heating pad may be more effective and soothe the pain due to cramps. After taking a hot shower, you will feel good.
Stretching
Muscle spasms commonly occur in the thighs, calves, neck, and back. Stretching on these muscles like a tennis ball, exercise ball, foam roller, shoulder rolls, etc.
Do Mild Exercise Instead of Vigorous Exercise.
Stay Hydrated
Take prescribed painkiller medications, under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Kinesiology Tape
According to some research, kinesio tape may help forbid muscle spasms.
Follow A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can give a fruitful result for any kind of health issues. Raise your iron level, and maintain a healthy lifestyle without junk food and refined sugar. Avoid all unhealthy food.
Conclusion
Muscle spasms are very common among people. Mostly, the spasm goes away after stretching. So, it does not require to seek advice from healthcare professionals. However, if the pain does not subside after trying home remedies, then based on its severity you can consult a doctor before it gets worse.