Muscle Spasm

Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) are painful contractions and tightening of your muscles. They’re common, involuntary and unpredictable. Although there are steps you can take to prevent a muscle spasm and treat it when it attacks, those methods aren’t always dependable. Muscle relaxants, stretching and massage are most likely to help.

Symptoms of muscle spasms: Muscle spasms can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, it might feel like your muscle is jumping around on its own. Sometimes, you might even see your muscle twitching. In severe cases, it might feel like your entire muscle stiffens up into a tight ball. If muscle spasms result from a neurological condition, you may develop additional symptoms like:

• Muscle pain.
• Muscle weakness.
• Paralysis.
• Numbness.
• Coordination issues.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Vision issues.

Causes of muscle spasms: Experts aren’t exactly sure why some people get muscle spasms more than others. One or more of the following may be to blame in most cases:

• Not enough stretching.
• Muscle fatigue.
• Exercising in extreme heat (heat cramps).
• Dehydration.
• Electrolyte imbalance 
• Stress.
• Too much high-intensity exercise.

Possible causes for nocturnal leg cramps (leg cramps at night), specifically, include:

• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Overusing your muscles.
• Standing or working on concrete floors.
• Sitting improperly.

Diagnosis of muscle spasms: A clinician typically determines the diagnosis of a muscle spasm after considering the individual’s full history of symptoms and physical examination. The clinician may want to know about the onset of the pain, how long the muscle spasms last, and how frequently they occur. Other helpful information may include which muscle or muscles are affected, whether the spasms occur consistently in the same muscles or affect various muscles, and the circumstances surrounding the spasms. Obtaining a full personal and medical history (e.g., occupation, hobbies, history of genetic disorders) can help the clinician rule out underlying factors predisposing the individual to muscle spasms. If the individual’s medical history and physical examination are not sufficient to diagnose muscle spasms, the clinician may order blood tests to check the individual’s levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. A creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood test can be used to detect muscle breakdown. CPK is released as a result of muscle damage, which can occur if muscle spasms are prolonged.

If there is concern for arteriosclerosis, imaging tests, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be ordered to assess the blood vessels for narrowing. A computed tomography (CT) angiography, which involves injecting dye into an artery near the groin or wrist, can also be used to assess blood flow in the arteries. Lastly, an electromyography (EMG), which tests the muscle’s response to electric stimulation, may be ordered to rule out any disorders of the nervous system, including MS and ALS, that could potentially cause muscle spasms. 

Treatment of muscle spasms: Physical therapy plays a vital role in the treatment of muscle spasms. A skilled physical therapist at Kinetic Physical Therapy will assess your condition and develop a personalized plan to target the underlying causes of your muscle spasms. We use various techniques, such as joint mobilization, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises, to ease muscle spasms. Our methods aim to improve flexibility, promote proper alignment, and restore muscle balance.

There’s no pill or injection that instantly relieves muscle spasms. But there are things you can do to try and stop muscle cramps fast:

• Stretch the affected area.
• Massage the affected area with your hands or a massage roller.
• Stand up and walk around.
• Apply heat or ice.
• Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If you have severe or frequent muscle spasms, a healthcare provider may prescribe muscle relaxers to help ease your symptoms. Muscle relaxers can cause drowsiness, dizziness and nausea. Because of these side effects, this medication may not be a long-term solution. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of muscle relaxers.

Exercise of muscle spasms: Regular exercise is essential for maintaining overall muscle health and preventing spasms. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, or cycling can enhance blood circulation. Exercises focusing on strengthening the core, such as Pilates or yoga, help stabilize your muscles, reducing the risk of spasms. Always remember it’s important to start slowly when beginning any exercise regimen.

Effective management of Muscle Spasm at Spine Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre (SPTRC) in Shyamoli requires teamwork among medical professionals and patients, which in turn improves the patients' quality of life.

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