Muscle spasm or cramp is a spontaneous muscle contraction that occurs unexpectedly causing severe pain.
Muscle spasm should not be confused to muscle twitching as it is different and can be caused due to multiple reasons depending on predisposing factors, involving certain body parts.
Muscle spasms are caused due to exertion, injury, strain, tiredness, previous injury, overstretching or no movements for a prolonged period, hyper-flexibility, low fluids, and forceful muscle contractions.
Daily activities involving certain skeletal muscle, exercising in a hot environment, unfamiliar workouts, dehydration, atherosclerosis, chronic back or neck ache, obesity, kidney stones, anemia, diabetes, thyroid, and hormonal problems, are the risk factors.
Nervous system diseases like ALS, MS, and spinal cord injuries may also cause muscle spasm.
The signs of muscle spasm rely on the body muscle involved and on the conditions that triggered the spasm. There are two types of muscle spasms.
Skeletal Muscle Spasm:
Physical exertion, muscle pain during contraction, prominent swelling and tightening of the muscle.
Smooth Muscle Spasm:
Colicky pain that may come and go.
Manage Muscle Spasms
Dehydration, Stress, anxiety, stimulants like caffeine, and certain medications are also underlying signs of occasional repetitive contractions of muscles.
Individuals with muscle spasms may feel an urge to stretch the muscle involved. Stretching exercises are the first course of treatment. A healthy lifestyle, and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance are recommended.
5 Ways To Manage This Condition
Stretching: Gently stretch the affected muscle to help release the contraction and improve blood flow. Hold the stretch for 20-25 seconds and repeat. This can often alleviate immediate discomfort.
Heat Therapy: Apply a warm compress to the spasming muscle to relax the muscle fibers and increase circulation. Heat can help reduce pain and stiffness, especially if the spasm is due to tension.
Cold Therapy: Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Apply it several times a day, to manage acute spasms.
inflammation.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps. Electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks can also help manage proper muscle function.
Massage: Gently massage the affected area to improve circulation and relieve muscle tightness. Applying light pressure in circular motions can help ease the spasm and reduce pain.
(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu, Ayurveda Pharma Expert)
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References:
- Muscle Pain: Mechanisms and Clinical Significance
Siegfried Mense, Prof. Dr. med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696782/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8119532/
