Muscle Spasms or popularly known as muscle cramps, are the contraction of muscle that feels very uncomfortable and mildly painful. The muscle spasm can occur in legs, back, shoulders, or chest. Sometimes, muscle spasms of the urinary tract is also painful and cause frequent urination. Therefore, if you have muscle twitching all over body every day, then you should be cautious about deficiency in your body. In this article, you will know about what causes muscle spasms in the body and how to stop muscle cramps fast.
Sometimes the muscle cramps can be gone by it’s own, but it can be an alarm for another unknown disease. So know here how to reduce cramps naturally and how long muscle spasm lasts generally in detail.
Root Causes of Muscle Spasms And Its Prevention
Figuring out the causes of muscle spasm is very helpful for preventing the spasms. The stiffness during cramps feels very irritating, and it stays for more than an hour sometimes. The muscle spasm is general and you can say it minor, that automatic relieves after few minutes. But sometimes the cramps seem major. So, knowing the symptoms is important for diagnosis.
Muscle Spasms Symptoms To Be Known
Spasms of muscle can be occur in chest, shoulder, legs, rib or even in urinary tract. Some people feels muscle twitching all over body at night. So let’s know all the symptoms of muscle spasm in below
- The affected area tightens or contracts during muscle spasm suddenly.
- You may feel pain in the cramp area for several minutes.
- The muscle area tightens and you can see lumps in it for few minutes.
- The muscle may twitch automatically, which is not controlled by you.
- You can’t move the affected area for some time.
- Even the spasms has gone you may feel tender for next few minutes.
Muscle Cramps Differential Diagnosis
It refers to the identification of spasm through self-examination or by the physician. The symptoms associated with it helps to recognize in primary level. Before going to the doctor do Self-Examination by observing the type of spasm while occurring. First, observe when it occurs, whether in rest time, at night, or during exercise. Which muscles are affected mostly is also important for the treatment process. So when you feel the cramps, properly examine it’s duration and level of pain.
When the spasms condition is severe and also feels weakness for long hours, it needs medical attention. If any swelling, redness, or lumps last more than a day then it may be some neuropathic problem, that you need to visit a physician for treatment. The doctor may prescribe EMG/NCS or other lab tests like Creatine kinase, Kidney/liver function tests, or sugar test to know the disease properly.
Top 5 Causes of Muscle Spasm
From the above diagnosis process and the discussed symptoms causes of mucle spasm can be determined. Generally, the muscle cramps are caused due to lifestyle changes and overactivity. Some other factors are also there to cause cramps. Let’s discuss below
- muscle spasms after workout:-
When a person does an extra activity suddenly then muscle may be spasm anonymously.
- Dehydration:-
Potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium are the electrolytes in the body which helps to function properly of the muscles. Due to sweating, diarrhea, or not drinking too much water body losses these minerals. That leads to muscle spasms.
- Medicine Side effects:-
Some drugs like Diuretics, asthma inhalers, and anti-anxiety medications can cause side effects of muscle spasms.
- Neurological disorders that cause muscle cramps:-
Nerve damage from diabetes or an accident can cause severe muscle spasms. The person having Spinal problems may feel muscle cramps on the disc. ALS or Multiple Sclerosis condition can cause spasm, which is a serious issue considered as major.
- Unhealthy life-style:-
Our day-to-day life style also matters for muscle spasm. Regular Alcohol use, stress or anxiety, poor postures(sitting and standing in one position for long time), and Wearing high heels affects the bllod flow causing muscle spasm.
How Long Does Muscle Spasm Lasts?
It is not medically identified how long it will last or how much time it will take to reduce it’s effect. The timing will depend upon the severity of spasms. If the causes of spasm is minor then hardly it will lasts few seconds to 15 minutes. Some severe cases may take more than one hour to relief. Neurological cases are also there, in which cramps of muscle will last for long time and can cause too much pain. So first take primary precautions, if it doesn’t work go for medical attention immediately.
Easy Muscle Spasm Treatment
When muscle cramps occur you need some primary treatment. General spasms will go on their own, while others require treatment. So the patient should know what to do during a muscle spasm. Some ancient therapies and physiological tricks are there, that help how to stop muscle cramps fast. Let’s know in below
- Whenever spasm occurs do a gentle stretch out, to naturalize the blood flow in that area.
- Massage the affected area to relax the contraction. You can use oil to massage gently.
- Apply additional heat or cold to that area to reduce swelling or loosen the tight muscles.
- Stay hydrated and drink sufficient water to balance the required minerals.
- You can also take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relax the muscle and pain relief.
Conclusion
50 years old people and the person who works hard have a higher chance of muscle spasm. Having daily diet with low minerals or sleepless nights with stress and anxiety can be the root cause of muscle spasms. To avoid the spasm, always maintain a healthy lifestyle and if occurs then try primary treatments. Without being panic handle the situation and take proper precaution immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
How To Stop Bladder Spasms Naturally?
Bladder spasms rea the sudden contractions in bladder, that signs frequent urination. Some times it is very painful but you can reduce it naturally/. The natural way is most preferable to avoid any associate side effects. You can use heat therapy or home remedies like Corn Silk Tea, Buchu Leaf, Marshmallow Root, or Horsetail. But remember to visit doctor before taking these. Because it is recommended for primary cases, some critical cases wouldn’t be cured in it.
What Causes Muscle Spasms In The Back?
Muscle Spasms in the back causes pain, stiffness and limited moving. It can cause due to heavy weight lifting, wrong posture, nerve compression, back injury, or repetitive workouts. When a back spasm occurs, you need a proper rest. If it doesn’t gone you need to consult a doctor. Who will helps you to reduce the pain.