What causes muscle spasms? How can they be treated? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this in-depth article on understanding and managing muscle spasms.

Understanding Muscle Spasms: Causes and Symptoms

Our muscles are designed to work seamlessly, responding to our commands without a second thought. However, they can sometimes make their presence known through painful spasms or cramps. Muscle spasms are caused by the involuntary contraction of a muscle, often due to overexertion, fatigue, or prolonged positioning. While they are usually temporary and harmless, muscle spasms can severely affect the range of motion of the affected muscle and be quite painful.

There are several underlying conditions that can contribute to muscle spasms, including:

• Dehydration and mineral imbalances
• Atherosclerosis and restricted blood flow
• Chronic pain, such as from arthritis or old injuries
• Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, ALS, or spinal cord injuries
• Obesity and other health issues like anemia, diabetes, or thyroid problems

Preventing and Treating Muscle Spasms

The best way to manage muscle spasms is to prevent them in the first place. This includes staying hydrated, warming up muscles before exercise or activity, and stretching regularly. If a spasm does occur, gently stretching the affected muscle and applying warm compresses can provide relief.

For muscle spasms caused by underlying conditions, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, or Botox injections to block the nerve signals that trigger the spasms. A comprehensive examination and testing by a neurologist can help identify the root cause and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

When to See a Neurologist for Muscle Spasms

If you are experiencing regular or unexplained muscle spasms, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a neurologist. Neurologists are specialists in the nervous system and can provide a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your muscle spasms. They can then develop a targeted treatment plan to address the issue and provide relief.

The Role of Neurologists in Treating Muscle Spasms

Neurologists play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle spasms. Through a comprehensive examination and testing, they can identify the root cause of the issue, whether it’s a nerve problem, nutritional imbalance, or underlying medical condition. Based on their findings, they can then recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include medications, physical therapy, or other interventions to address the problem.

Finding Relief for Chronic Muscle Spasms

If you are dealing with persistent or recurring muscle spasms, it’s important to work closely with your neurologist to find a solution. They can help you identify the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan to provide relief and prevent future episodes. With the right care and management, you can get your muscle spasms under control and improve your overall quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Muscle Spasms

Can dehydration cause muscle spasms?

Yes, dehydration and mineral imbalances can be a common cause of muscle spasms. Muscles need the right balance of water, electrolytes, and minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to function properly. When these levels are disrupted, it can lead to painful spasms.

What is the best way to treat a muscle spasm?

The best way to treat a muscle spasm is to gently stretch the affected muscle to its full length until the spasm subsides. Applying a warm compress can also help provide relief. If the spasms are chronic or caused by an underlying condition, your doctor may prescribe medication or other interventions.

When should I see a doctor for muscle spasms?

You should see a doctor, particularly a neurologist, if you are experiencing regular or unexplained muscle spasms. They can perform a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Seeing a specialist is especially important if the spasms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Adult and Child Neurology & Epileptology

We expect our muscles to comply with our every command without giving it a second thought. Whether it’s to get off the sofa and walk to the refrigerator for a snack or train for a marathon, our muscles usually do as they’re told. However, our muscles sometimes make their presence known with painful spasms or cramps. Although muscle spasms are usually temporary and harmless, some muscle spasms are a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

What Is a Muscle Spasm?

A muscle spasm is caused by the involuntary contraction of a muscle. Spasms happen when muscles are overexerted, fatigued, or held in the same position for too long. Muscle spasms can be quite painful and can severely affect the range of motion of the affected muscle. Sustained exercise during hot temperatures is the main reason for muscle spasms, but there are many additional causes. If you regularly experience muscle spasms for no obvious reason, see a neurologist for a thorough examination and diagnosis of your condition. Other causes of muscle spasms include:

• Pinched nerves
• Inadequate blood flow to muscle
• Insufficient mineral supply
• Autoimmune diseases
• Damaged muscle tissue
• Stress

Different Causes of Muscle Spasms

Several different conditions cause muscle spasms. These include:

• Dehydration – Muscles need the correct mix of water and minerals (glucose, salt, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) to function properly. A disruption in the supply of these minerals can cause muscle spasms.
• Atherosclerosis – This condition narrows arteries and can disrupt the supply of blood and electrolytes necessary for optimal muscle function. Also called peripheral artery disease, this disorder often causes painful muscle spasms and cramps in the legs.
• Chronic Pain – Chronic pain in the back and neck can lead to muscle spasms. Arthritis of the spine or an old injury to the trunk area can set off spasms since the trunk contains large muscle groups leading to the arms, neck, chest, back, and legs.
• Obesity and Other Conditions – Being overweight can lead to muscle spasms in addition to diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), anemia, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid conditions, or spinal cord injuries.

How Can I Treat Muscle Spasms?

Prevention is the best defense against muscle spasms. If you’re going to exercise or work outdoors in the heat, you should make sure you’re drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your activities. Additionally, warm up your muscles before exercising or working by gently stretching them. If you do experience a cramp or spasm, stretch the muscle gently to its full length until you feel relief. Warm compresses and rest are also effective treatment options.

For muscle spasms caused by other underlying conditions, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, or Botox. Botox injections can be helpful to block overactive nerve signals that set off muscle spasms. Additionally, through a comprehensive examination and thorough testing, your neurologist will target a treatment plan for you based on your unique case.

If you’ve been suffering with muscle cramps and spasms, make an appointment today with one of the board-certified neurologists of Complete Neurological Care in NYC. Our team specializes in treating patients with muscle cramps, spasms, and weakness, in addition to wide variety of neurological disorders and pain management.

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What Kind of Doctor Treats Muscle Pain?

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Nearly all of us feel muscle pain at some point in our lives. Maybe you pulled your hamstring during a tough workout, or a weekend of yardwork strained a seldom-used muscle. Or maybe you’re recovering from the flu and COVID-19, for which muscle pain can be a symptom. But, if your muscle soreness doesn’t have a clear cause, don’t wait too long to talk to your clinician.

“When you have muscle pain, it’s very important that you see the right specialist. That starts with your primary care doctor, who will then filter you to [the right] muscle specialist accordingly,” says Stephen Henry, D.O., a sports medicine physician with the University of Miami Health System’s Sports Medicine Institute in Florida. “I never tell people to go on Google and try to figure out what your muscle pain is because time is tissue: If you have an injured muscle, the longer you wait, the worse the outcome could possibly be.”

So what will your path to muscle pain relief look like? These are the experts who may play a role.

Your Primary Care Provider

Your primary care provider (PCP) should be your first port of call for muscle pain, say our experts. Your PCP will take a medical history to try to isolate a potential cause and may order blood and imaging tests, according to our experts.

Your PCP can help triage the source of the pain and see if pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen break the pain cycle, adds Charles Odonkor, M. D., a physiatrist and assistant professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT.

These are some of the common causes your primary care provider may consider.

Post-Work Soreness

Post-workout soreness, officially known as delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, typically resolves on its own: According to the American College of Sports Medicine, it usually sets in between 12 and 24 hours after a workout and will peak 24 to 72 hours after a workout. You probably don’t need to see your PCP for this, says Dr. Odonkor, unless you feel the pain goes beyond DOMS and into a muscle tear or other injury.

The Flu

If your muscles ache because of the flu or COVID-19, your doctor may prescribe a medication designed to treat the symptoms, such as antivirals and Paxlovid respectively, Dr. Odonkor says.

What’s more, if your illness is keeping you awake at night, that in itself may lead to muscle pain. “If you’re not getting enough rest, you are literally shortchanging your repair facility,” says Dr. Odonkor. “You’re not opening the repair shop long enough for your body to have that recuperation that it needs.”

Dehydration or Nutrition

Dehydration is another eminently treatable cause of muscle pain, Dr. Odonkor says. Dehydration indirectly impacts the levels of electrolytes like magnesium, sodium, and potassium in your body, and insufficient levels of these minerals can lead to muscle soreness, he says.

Your PCP can also get your vitamin D and calcium levels checked, and if they’re low can prescribe a nutrient-rich diet or supplements, Dr. Odonkor says. Increasing either if you’re deficient can lead to less muscle pain, according to recent research in Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, among others.

And finally, your PCP might counsel you about an anti-inflammatory diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish, olive oil, fish oil, and nuts. While anti-inflammatory diets are typically recommended for people with chronic pain caused by an inflammatory condition, a well-rounded diet may prevent muscle pain caused by nutrient deficiencies, he says.

Referrals for Muscle Pain

You’ve gone to your PCP and they’ve ruled out the obvious diagnoses. Where do you go next? Depending on your symptoms, your PCP might refer you to one of several specialists who treat myalgia, the medical term for muscle pain, Dr. Henry says. For example, rheumatologists can treat rheumatoid and osteoarthritis; physiatrists, orthopedists, sports medicine, and osteopathic doctors also can treat osteoarthritis-caused muscle pain.

Physiatrists

If your PCP is unsure of the cause of your muscle pain, they may refer you to a physiatrist for help with diagnosis, Dr. Odonkor says. A physiatrist’s expertise is in how muscles, nerves, bones, and joints interact to create a functioning, moving body. They look at functional ways to restore activity without doing surgery, he says.

Doctors of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatrists, specialize in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of people disabled by disease, disorder, or injury; it is one of the newer subspecialties that manages conditions involving the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, according to the Association of Academic Physiatrists.

If the muscle pain is associated with joint pain, it’s possible that it’s actually tendon pain from a strain, Dr. Odonkor says. (Tendons are the tissue that attach your muscles to your bones or joints.) For example, shoulder pain could be caused by either a strain in the rotator cuff tendons or the nearby muscles. Low back pain could also be muscular or in the ligaments, he says.

Physiatrists can also treat muscle pain stemming from spinal cord related injuries or lumbar strains, says Dr. Odonkor. in addition, when people have a condition known as spinal stenosis, circulation around the nerves can be restricted, and when the nerves become deprived of oxygen, people feel muscle pain in their legs, he says.

Rheumatologists

While several doctors treat osteoarthritis, rheumatologists specialize in treating muscle aches and pains from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and several other inflammatory and/or autoimmune conditions, per the American College of Rheumatology. Conditions causing muscle pain a rheumatologist might treat, according to Dr. Odonkor, can include:

• Fibromyalgia

• Lupus

• Polymyalgia rheumatica

• RA

• Sjogren’s syndrome

Orthopedists

Orthopedic doctors and surgeons, a subset of which specialize in sports medicine, also treat pain in the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, Dr. Henry says. “We treat everyone who is active; and even if you’re looking to get active, we treat you.” Some orthopedists specialize in parts of the body, such as knees, hips, spine, or shoulders, he adds.

Treatment options for muscle pain could include pain medicine, exercises with help from a physical therapist or athletic trainer, or surgery, if necessary. If imaging shows someone has severe stenosis, they may be sent to a spine specialist, Dr. Odonkor says. Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons do spine surgery, he says.

Neurologists and Neuromuscular Specialists

Neuromuscular specialists tend to be an aggregate of different specialists, including a neurologist who specializes in neuromuscular medicine, a physiatrist specializing in muscular medicine, and some general internists who receive extra training in the area, Dr. Odonkor says.

Neurologists treat neuromuscular diseases that affect the function of muscles, according to Mayo Clinic. If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease in which your immune system strips your nerves of their insulating myelin sheaths and which can cause muscle pain, a neurologist will probably be one of your core team members.

A rare cause of muscle pain, Dr. Henry says, are neuromuscular disorders such as Myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome which are conditions in which antibodies attack receptors in the nerves or collagen receptors, respectively, causing aches and pains.

Home Remedies for Muscle Pain

Dr. Henry advises seeing a doctor before trying any home remedies other than making sure you’re well-rested, well-hydrated, and consuming enough vitamins B, C, and D (which can all cause muscle pain if you’re deficient in any of them). Recent studies, he adds, suggest turmeric might have anti-inflammatory effects.

For mild to moderate muscle pain, per the American Academy of Family Physicians, try:

• Heat to increase blood flow to the affected area

• Gentle stretching

• Gentle foam rolling or massage

• Ice to cut down on inflammation

• Over-the-counter topical creams with menthol or capsaicin

• Over-the-counter NSAIDs or pain medication

• Resting the muscle

“All of us, including myself, sometimes we become couch potatoes,” Dr. Odonkor says. “You sit all day at your computer or looking at your cellphone, with your neck tilted down. Being active is another way to avoid having the muscle aches and pains.”

Notes: This article was originally published November 16, 2010 and most recently updated March 27, 2023.

DOMS: American College of Sports Medicine. (2011.) “ACSM Information On Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).” https://www.acsm.org/docs/default-source/files-for-resource-library/delayed-onset-muscle-soreness-%28doms%29. pdf

Antivirals: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022.) “What are Flu Antiviral Drugs.” https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/whatyoushould.htm

Myalgia: National Cancer Institute. (n.d.) “Myalgia.” https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/myalgia

Physiatrists: Association of Academic Physiatrists. (n.d.) “What Is Physiatry?” https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/myalgia

Rheumatologists: American College of Rheumatology. (n.d.) “Diseases and Conditions.” https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions

Neuromuscular Specialists: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (n.d.( “Mitochondrial Myopathies.” https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/mitochondrial-myopathies

Anesthesiology (1.): Indian Journal of Anesthesia. 2021) “Pain medicine as a career. ” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7980244/

Anesthesiology (2.): American Society of Anesthesiologists. (n.d.) “Role of the Anesthesiologist.” https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/anesthesia-101/role-of-physician-anesthesiologist/

Diet: Phytotherapy Research. (2021.) “A review of therapeutic potentials of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders, pain, and their related patents.” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.7224

Supplements: Dermato-endocrinology. (2013). “Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24494042/

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Muscle spasms – methods of treatment, diagnosis and causes of spasms

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Muscle spasm – sudden painful muscle contraction. Occurs involuntarily, sometimes during sleep or rest. Occurs in healthy young people. Most often occurs with overwork and high physical exertion, metabolic disorders.

Causes of spasms

Many conditions can cause spasms:

• taking or abruptly stopping certain medications;
• hormonal dysfunction;
• vitamin or mineral deficiency;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• dehydration;
• excessive exercise;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Symptoms of muscle spasm

Muscle spasm can reasonably be suspected if pain is felt:

• severe, pressure-aching character;
• increasing, with pressure on the site of maximum pain;
• not subsiding at rest;
• abruptly arising, and then passing.

Classification of muscle spasms

The following types of muscle spasms are divided:

Name	Cause	Description
Clonic	Excitation of the cerebral cortex	Synchronous non-rhythmic contractions accompanied by soreness. Loss or clouding of consciousness, disorientation. The beginning and end of the spasm is sudden
Myoclonic	Reaction of the nervous system to physical or nervous overwork	Short-term attacks at night or during physical overwork. Accompanied by muscle numbness, ocular tic, tachycardia, profuse sweating
Tonic	Overexcitation of the basal regions of the brain	Intense convulsions that appear gradually. May occur during rest periods on upper or lower extremities, face, airways

All types of muscle spasms are divided into:

• generalized – involving a large part of the body and many internal organs;
• local – emerging place, in separate areas.

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Warning symptoms that require a doctor’s visit

In most cases, spasms go away on their own, in a matter of minutes. They can be painful, but do not pose a threat to human health and life. You should consult a doctor if the ailment recurs repeatedly and is accompanied by:

• severe weakness;
• loss of sensation in the area affected by spasm;
• long-lasting muscle twitching after an attack;
• vomiting, diarrhoea, profuse sweating resulting in significant fluid loss in the body;
• increased soreness of each subsequent attack.

First aid for spasms at home

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1. Exclude motor activity, create rest for the painful limb or part of the body.
2. For 10-15 minutes, apply an ice compress to a muscle spasming from exercise, and dry heat to a cramped muscle for an unclear reason.
3. Perform a light self-massage of the painful area, increasing blood flow.
4. Drink plenty of mineral water or water with salt.
5. Gently stretch the muscle, taking into account the area of ​​the body, except in cases with severe pain.

Muscle spasms rarely last longer than 15 minutes. However, the residual discomfort can be quite long and unpleasant. Even having eliminated the spasm on your own, do not put off a visit to an experienced specialist for a long time.

Diagnosis of emerging problems

Quite obvious problems can become the causes of muscle spasm: high physical activity during sports training, non-physiological static posture, something else. After removing the pain manifestation, you can prophylactically visit a specialist doctor.

Spasms of the head, cervical region, abdomen and others that occur suddenly, without obvious external causes of malaise, require a mandatory visit to a doctor. Such muscle spasms can be symptoms of serious diseases that require immediate treatment. It is recommended to pay a visit to a neurologist or orthopedist. After conducting an examination, questioning and additional studies, the specialist will make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Stages of diagnosis:

• questioning the patient about symptoms: the time of onset of spasms, their duration, frequency, localization, possible provoking factors, additional symptoms, general information about past, chronic diseases, lifestyle, heredity;
• medical examination aimed at neurological examination of the state of muscles and reflexes, examination of the skin;
• additional examination: various types of clinical blood tests, including the level of sugar and electrolytes, electromyography – assessment of the functional state of skeletal muscles and peripheral nerve fibers, MRI of the brain or spinal cord, other studies according to individual indications.

The collected information will serve as a basis for establishing the cause of the condition, accurate diagnosis of the disease. Depending on the prevailing picture, the attending physician will develop a detailed scheme for the most effective and efficient treatment.

Treatment of pathology

Complex therapy helps to eliminate muscle spasms of tissues, get rid of pain manifestations. Depending on the identified cause of the pathology, the following are prescribed:

• physiotherapeutic procedures;
• performing massage procedures;
• cryotherapy, exposure to cold;
• laser therapy;
• acupuncture;
• medicines.

Medical treatment of muscle spasm

To effectively relax cramped muscles and quickly eliminate pain syndrome, use:

• Muscle relaxants, drugs that reduce muscle tone until the muscles are completely immobilized;
• Antispasmodics, drugs that eliminate spasm of the smooth muscles of the internal organs of the patient;
• NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with high-quality analgesic effect.

Most drugs in these groups are available over the counter. Nevertheless, before a medical examination, it is not recommended to take drugs on your own, so as not to blur the clinical picture of the disease, suppressing the development of a serious complication.

Possible complications of the disease

If you do not pay attention to muscle spasms, then over time their duration and severity will increase, and will also provoke the progress of serious diseases of the body, such as:

• osteochondrosis;
• narrowing of the arteries, circulatory disorders;
• postural disorders, problems of the musculoskeletal system;
• migraines.

It is much more difficult to cure neglected muscle spasms than a pathological process that has just started.

Prevention of muscle cramps

Effective preventive measures help reduce the likelihood of recurrence of painful manifestations, as well as avoid dangerous complications:

• taking vitamin and mineral complexes;
• daily consumption of at least two liters of drinking water;
• regular muscle-strengthening exercise;
• giving up bad habits;
• timely treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• undergoing annual scheduled medical examinations, as well as visiting a doctor in the presence of dangerous symptoms.

Muscle spasms: advanced treatment in Moscow

Effective treatment of muscle spasms is possible only with timely access to highly qualified specialists. These are the doctors who work in our clinic. For many years they have been successfully coping with muscle spasms, restoring health and joy of life to the most difficult and hopeless patients. We accept for treatment even those who have been rejected by other specialists or medical institutions.

Guaranteed positive result – a logical result of an innovative approach that combines classical methods of therapy proven by practice, as well as innovative achievements of modern medicine in the field of treatment of muscle spasms. The professional arsenal of doctors of the clinic is rich and varied. It contains a huge number of rehabilitation and recovery programs, and is also systematically updated with the most effective and progressive methods. Our doctors are constantly adopting the best practices of leading experts in this field, leaving for training, seminars, conferences in leading clinics in Israel, the USA, Germany.

We offer our patients a free consultation with an experienced specialist, an extended diagnosis of the problem, and a plan of therapeutic measures. From the first treatment procedures, patients notice a significant improvement in their condition, partial or complete relief of pain symptoms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the harms of muscle tension and spasms?

A spasmodic muscle compresses blood vessels as well as nerve fibers. The normal functioning of not only the tissues of the muscle itself is disturbed, but also of closely located internal organs. In addition, muscle spasm maintains the tissue in a constantly tense state, increasing the body’s energy consumption for irrational and even harmful work.

What diseases can mimic muscle spasms?

The cause of such destruction may be:

• Dystonia, giving more persistent, repetitive convulsions, which may involve several nearby muscle groups;
• Tetany, neuromuscular excitability syndrome in metabolic disorders;
• Muscle ischemia, giving painful symptoms of the muscles of the extremities during exercise, associated with insufficiently active blood circulation;
• Phantom spasms, the occurrence of a sensation of muscle spasm in the absence of a true contraction.

Who tends to cramp more often?

The problem is familiar to every person, but for some it is a rarity, while for others it is a constant companion. The risk group includes people:

• suffering from vascular diseases and muscle atrophy;
• engaged in heavy physical labor;
• athletes;
• alcohol abusers;
• pregnant women
• babies up to three years old, when the temperature rises above 38 degrees.

Why does muscle contraction in pregnant women?

During pregnancy there is a complete restructuring of the body, including metabolism. Against this background, there is often a deficiency of certain elements or vitamins, in particular magnesium. It is his lack that causes muscle spasm. Against the background of weight gain, the load on the woman’s legs increases, causing the occurrence of painful contractions. The lumbar spine, which is in tension under the pressure of the uterus, leads to painful reduction of the back muscles. In the state of gestation, women are recommended frequent rest and physiotherapy exercises, which strengthen the muscular corset of the body.

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Marshenin Konstantin Vladimirovich

Chief physician. Neurologist, chiropractor, vertebrologist, neuropsychiatrist, doctor of the highest qualification category

Work experience – 22 years

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Hernia of the lumbosacral region

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Pain in the lower back and leg

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Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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Bechterew’s disease

“I have had Bechterew’s disease for 10 years. The vertebrae began to move out, I began to slouch. I turned to other chiropractors, very famous, media ones. In the end, I didn’t get any results. After 2 sessions I felt much better. Now I don’t have any pain.”

Pain in the spine

“I came in with problems in my back, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. I was prescribed procedures, had a massage, and was assigned to do physical education at home. This made it much easier for me. I’m already turning my head. I have no pain.”

Shoulder-to-shoulder periarthrosis

I came to the clinic with severe pain in my shoulder. My hand did not rise, I could not sleep at night, I woke up from pain. After the first treatment session, I felt much better. Somewhere in the middle of the course, my hand began to rise, I began to sleep at night.

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, 2nd degree

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Herniated disc

“I came to the clinic after I had back pain and it turned out to be a herniated disc. I went to other places, but they only relieved attacks of pain. Hope for a return to normal life was given only by Sergei Vladimirovich, his golden hands!

Scoliosis

“Since I was a teenager, I have suffered from scoliosis in the thoracic region. I felt a feeling of discomfort, tension, periodic pain in the spine. I turned to various specialists, a massage therapist, an osteopath, but I did not feel a strong effect. After treatment, Length S.V. I almost have a straight spine. Currently, I do not feel any problems and discomfort.”

Intervertebral hernia

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Back pain

“At the beginning of the path of treatment, my back hurt very much. I could no longer walk. I take 5 steps and stop. My entire journey consisted of such stops. In the very first procedure, I left the office with no pain in my spine.”

Cervical hernia

“I came in with a problem in my neck and my right arm was very sore. The neck did not turn, the hand did not rise. After the 3rd session, I felt better. After the 5th, all this pain began to decrease. It turns out I have 2 hernias in my cervical vertebrae. After the sessions, I did an MRI and one hernia decreased. Now he began to move, his hand earned.

Pain in the neck

“I went to Dr. Long because I had a very bad pain in my neck on the right side. I fell on a snowboard 5 years ago, even went to an osteopath, but somehow it didn’t really help. Now everything is fine, there are some consequences left, the muscles were spasmodic. When I came, I had steel muscles, now my neck is very soft.”

Pain in the thoracic region

“I went to the clinic with back pain, namely in the thoracic region. After 10 sessions of treatment, I could already calmly go about my usual business, stay at work until lunch, without howling in pain. Now I’ve come back for an adjustment after 2 months. I’m fine, my back doesn’t hurt.”

Hernia and protrusion

“I came to the clinic with L4-L5 hernia and L5-S1 protrusion. Today the course of treatment has ended. Lower back hurt, it was difficult to bend down. After completing the course and receiving instructions in the form of physical exercises, it became much easier. After a month of treatment, I do not feel any stiffness of movements. ”

Pain in the lower back and hip joint

“I have been suffering from back pain since I was young. When they became unbearable, I went to Dr. Length’s clinic. Already after the first procedure, the pain in the hip joint was gone. After the third procedure, the shooting pains in the lower back stopped.

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Muscle spasm: description of the disease, causes, symptoms, cost of treatment in Moscow

Muscle spasm in the back is a contraction of muscle tissue in an involuntary manner and in an accelerated mode. A person during its occurrence experiences significant pain, which can completely deprive him of his ability to work for some time. According to the general sensations, the attack resembles a convulsive convulsion, reminiscent of a high-frequency discharge.

Spasm in the muscles of the back has its own scheme of formation: the appearance of an electrical heating wave (nerve impulse) – an active effect on the muscle – muscle contraction in the absence of its relaxation – spasm. Its formation is easy to predict, because initially a person feels discomfort in the area of ​​​​the shoulder blades, which rapidly or undulatingly develops into pain. The occurrence of excruciating compression can be cyclical or once manifested by discomfort.

Types of back pain due to muscle spasm:

1. Tonic. Pathology arises from the professional activity of a person. Office workers (programmers, assistant secretaries, accountants, etc.) cannot refuse sedentary work due to the specifics of their profession. Tonic pains also sometimes occur in students and pupils. These seizures last for a short time.

2. Clonic. A sign by which they can be identified is frequent muscle twitching. The main reason for their occurrence is damage to the nervous system of an organic nature. Clonic back spasm is dangerous because it is able to provoke paralysis.

3. Tonic-clonic. The voiced variety of pathology in most cases means that a person has a serious illness. It can be epilepsy, in which the attack of tonic-clonic spasm lasts a long time. The attack is fast and frightening. In a person, the back bends into an arc, and after the end of the attack it hurts for a long time.

Localization of lumbago in the back

According to the location of their location, the affected areas can be located in the following areas of the back:

1. Upper part. Spasm of the back muscles in the thoracic region has different causes of formation. It is characterized by intense pain in the central zone of the back or in the shoulder blades.

2. Lower part. Spasm of the back muscles in the lumbar region is often diagnosed by specialists. In everyday life, it is called sciatica and they are in no hurry to visit a specialist.

Causes of muscle spasms in the back, which often recur:

1. Problems with posture. In scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis, spasms of the back muscles occur due to the fact that the tissues are tensed in order to straighten the curved part of the skeleton. The same process occurs during destruction in articular cartilage during osteochondrosis and intervertebral hernia.

2. Pathological processes in the spinal cord. Such neurological diseases adversely affect nerve cells and contribute to the formation of inflammatory processes in muscle tissues. The scheme is repeated: the muscles tense up and provoke a spasm in the back.

3. Postponed shock. With the release of prolactin – the stress hormone – the nerve endings and muscles come into hypertonicity. The more often people get into critical situations, the more they are then disturbed by back spasms.

4. Serious injuries. Injury to the spinal region causes significant pain to a person. An alarm signal enters the brain, and the body instantly activates all protective reserves. The result is a chain reaction. The tissues in the lesion are compressed in order to create a barrier against increased spasm, creating an additional load on the vessels and nerve endings. The result is a rapid increase in pain.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight cases when back spasm occurs due to:

• neurological and mental disorders;

• pelvic bone problems;

• dysfunction of internal organs.

Triggers causing one-time spasm:

• performing heavy physical work during the day;

• slight bruising without health consequences;

• weakened muscles when loaded;

• hypothermia without signs of frostbite;

• sudden movements, turns or fast running.

Reasons for immediate medical attention:

1. The duration of the attack. It should not last more than 2-3 days. Otherwise, we are talking about the inflammatory process in the body.

2. Spasm intensity. An alarming sign is an increase in pain after taking analgesics and antispasmodics. An emergency call is the only help in this case.

3. Movement restriction. Should alert the inability to move the legs and arms. Move your hand towards the glass on the table

4. Appearance of additional symptoms. These include severe weakness, nausea, and numbness of the extremities.

Diagnosis of the disease:

1. Blood donation for analysis. The specialist will need the results of the UAC and a decoding of its biochemical composition.

2. Fluorography. A standard procedure is necessary to detect pathologies of the chest organs.

3. MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging is needed for detailed monitoring of the state of the spinal column.

4. Electrocardiogram. Assign it in the presence of spasms in the thoracic region.

Prevention of sudden back spasms:

1. Regular stretching. It is important not to overdo it in your endeavors, so as not to damage the ligaments. For insurance, it is better to seek help from a specialist who will develop an individual complex for the patient.

2. Massage sessions. It is recommended to lightly stretch the chest, neck and shoulders when numbing the back. Regular massage by a professional will significantly increase the chances of preventing painful spasms.

3. Active lifestyle. It is not necessary to immediately pick up a barbell or make many hours of cross-country. It is enough to purchase a subscription to the swimming pool, take walks and do gymnastic exercises.

4. Change of work activity. With weakened muscles, it is forbidden to work as a loader, miner and builder. To perform tasks with the use of power loads, special training is needed.

5. Correct daily routine. You should correctly distribute your schedule by periods of work-rest. With physical exertion or sedentary work, you need to take a short break for a couple of minutes.

6. Rational menu. It is better to compile it with the help of a specialist in the presence of back problems. The uniform rules for the diet in this case are the inclusion of lean meat, dairy products, cereals, vegetables and fruits in the menu.

7. Tracking the water balance. With its lack of problems with dry skin, it will not work. To prevent muscle hypertonicity, you should drink at least two liters of fluid per day. Alcohol is prohibited.

8. Water aerobics. A visit to the swimming pool should be made as useful as possible. Water exercises are recommended even for pregnant women, so this method is absolutely safe for the back muscles.

9. Insurance for sedentary work. The back will not greatly disturb those people who let it warm up every half an hour. If it is impossible to leave the office, it is enough to walk around the working room. When moving, you should make rotational movements with your neck, shoulders and arms.

10. Proper planning of recreation and work areas. Soft featherbed and voluminous pillows are the first enemies for the spine. At the first signs of pain in the back, it is necessary to purchase an orthopedic mattress

First aid for oneself

If it is impossible to urgently visit a neurologist, the following steps should be taken:

1. Lie down on the bed. Any hard surface without cavities will do. Ideally, you should use an orthopedic mattress.

2. Place your feet correctly. The lower limbs are placed on a small roller. In its absence, any flat and solid object can be used as a supporting base.

3. Take a pill. With a strong spasm, No-shpa, Spazmolgon will do, and during pain of moderate intensity, Diclofenac will come in handy.

4. Massage the problem area. If possible, it is recommended to treat it with a Kuznetsov applicator.

5. Put on the bandage. A corset will be needed for a person with a prolonged spasm if necessary to move around. With a tough work schedule, you can use a corset on a rigid basis.

6. Apply contrast compresses. They need to be changed every 15 minutes. You should monitor the reaction of the body during the procedure. For more relief from pain with a cold compress, it is recommended to opt for it.

7. Stay in bed. Its maximum duration is 3 days. Otherwise, there is a possibility of the formation of muscle atrophy.

Non-stop, if you want to block back spasms

In case of recurrence of the disease with severe muscle spasms in the back, it is recommended:

1. Refusal of exercise therapy. The recommendation is limited to the period of recurrence of the disease. The vibrocouch is also contraindicated for the period of exacerbation of the pathology.

2. Turn on the brake light. With excessive body weight, it is impossible to independently control the plan for further treatment.

3. Refusal to plan pregnancy. In this case, the mechanism of Russian roulette starts. Without verification, there will be a reconciliation with the reaction of the body. Without consulting a gynecologist with serious back pain is indispensable.

How treatment methods work

Injections. With an injection, it is easier and faster to relieve severe pain. Of the analgesics, Baralgin is most often prescribed, but it is purchased by prescription. Amateurs are not recommended to administer the drug. It is better for the patient to seek medical help. You can replace Baralgin with Aspirin. At a low price and the ability to buy a medicine without a prescription, the remedy helps to eliminate the inflammatory process, lower body temperature and alleviate the human condition. In case of spasm, which Aspirin and Baralgin are not able to block, Dexamethasone and Prednisolone are prescribed. In a critical situation, blockade with Novocain is used.

Tablets. After consulting a doctor, tension in the back is removed with Mydocalm and Tizalud.