What causes muscle spasms. How can muscle spasms be treated. When should you see a neurologist for muscle spasms. What are the different types of muscle spasms. How can muscle spasms be prevented.

Understanding Muscle Spasms: Definition and Mechanisms

Muscle spasms are involuntary contractions of muscles that can cause pain and limit range of motion. They occur when muscles are overexerted, fatigued, or held in the same position for extended periods. While often temporary and harmless, persistent or severe muscle spasms may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical attention.

The mechanism behind muscle spasms involves a complex interplay of neurological and physiological factors. When muscles contract, calcium ions are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, triggering the sliding of actin and myosin filaments. In a spasm, this process becomes dysregulated, leading to sustained contraction.

Common Locations for Muscle Spasms

• Lower back
• Neck
• Calves
• Thighs
• Hands
• Feet

Primary Causes of Muscle Spasms: From Dehydration to Chronic Conditions

Muscle spasms can arise from various causes, ranging from simple dehydration to more complex neurological disorders. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

One of the most common causes of muscle spasms is dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Why does this occur? When the body lacks proper hydration or essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, muscles can’t function optimally, leading to spasms.

Overexertion and Fatigue

Pushing muscles beyond their limits, especially during intense physical activities or prolonged exercise, can lead to spasms. This is particularly common in athletes or individuals starting new exercise regimens.

Poor Blood Circulation

Conditions that affect blood flow, such as atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease, can reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, potentially triggering spasms.

Neurological Disorders

Various neurological conditions can cause muscle spasms. These include multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal cord injuries. In these cases, the communication between the brain and muscles is disrupted, leading to involuntary contractions.

Identifying Risk Factors for Muscle Spasms

Certain factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to muscle spasms. Recognizing these risk factors can help in prevention and management strategies.

1. Age: Older adults are more prone to muscle spasms due to decreased muscle mass and flexibility.
2. Pregnancy: The added weight and changes in body mechanics can lead to increased muscle strain.
3. Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on muscles, particularly in the lower body.
4. Certain medications: Some drugs, such as diuretics or statins, can increase the risk of muscle spasms.
5. Chronic health conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and anemia can contribute to muscle spasms.

Diagnosing Muscle Spasms: When to Consult a Neurologist

While occasional muscle spasms are often benign, persistent or severe cases warrant medical attention. A neurologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the nervous system, including those that cause muscle spasms.

When should you consider seeing a neurologist for muscle spasms? If you experience any of the following, it’s advisable to seek professional medical advice:

• Frequent or severe muscle spasms that interfere with daily activities
• Spasms accompanied by other neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness
• Muscle spasms that don’t respond to home remedies or persist for extended periods
• Spasms associated with loss of bladder or bowel control

During a neurological examination, the doctor may perform various tests to determine the underlying cause of your muscle spasms. These may include:

1. Physical examination and medical history review
2. Blood tests to check for electrolyte imbalances or other abnormalities
3. Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle and nerve function
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans to visualize the affected area
5. Nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve function

Treatment Approaches for Muscle Spasms: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

The treatment of muscle spasms depends on their underlying cause and severity. A comprehensive approach often combines home remedies, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions when necessary.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

For mild to moderate muscle spasms, several self-care techniques can provide relief:

• Gentle stretching of the affected muscle
• Application of heat or cold therapy
• Massage to improve blood circulation
• Adequate hydration and electrolyte replenishment
• Rest and avoiding overexertion

Lifestyle Modifications

Preventing muscle spasms often involves making certain lifestyle changes:

1. Regular exercise to improve muscle strength and flexibility
2. Proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after physical activity
3. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential minerals
4. Staying hydrated, especially during hot weather or intense exercise
5. Practicing good posture and ergonomics to reduce muscle strain

Medical Interventions

For persistent or severe muscle spasms, or those caused by underlying medical conditions, a neurologist may recommend various treatments:

• Muscle relaxants to reduce tension and spasms
• Anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain and swelling
• Botox injections to temporarily paralyze overactive muscles
• Physical therapy to improve muscle strength and flexibility
• Treatment of underlying conditions (e.g., managing diabetes or thyroid disorders)

Prevention Strategies: Minimizing the Risk of Muscle Spasms

While not all muscle spasms can be prevented, adopting certain habits and practices can significantly reduce their occurrence and severity.

Proper Hydration and Nutrition

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for preventing muscle spasms. How much water should you drink daily? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to consume at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day, increasing this amount during hot weather or physical activity.

In addition to hydration, ensuring a balanced diet rich in essential minerals can help prevent muscle spasms. Key nutrients include:

• Potassium: Found in bananas, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens
• Magnesium: Present in nuts, seeds, and whole grains
• Calcium: Abundant in dairy products, fortified plant-based milks, and leafy greens

Regular Exercise and Stretching

Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of spasms. What types of exercises are most effective? A combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility work is ideal. Examples include:

1. Walking or jogging
2. Swimming or water aerobics
3. Yoga or Pilates
4. Resistance training with weights or resistance bands
5. Dynamic stretching before exercise and static stretching after

Proper Warm-up and Cool-down

Preparing your muscles for activity and allowing them to recover properly can significantly reduce the risk of spasms. A proper warm-up should include:

• 5-10 minutes of light cardio to increase blood flow
• Dynamic stretches to improve range of motion
• Sport-specific movements if preparing for a particular activity

Cool-down routines should involve:

• Gradual reduction in exercise intensity
• Static stretching to improve flexibility
• Light walking or jogging to promote blood flow and recovery

Specialized Treatments for Chronic or Severe Muscle Spasms

In cases where muscle spasms are chronic, severe, or related to underlying neurological conditions, more specialized treatments may be necessary. These advanced interventions are typically administered under the supervision of a neurologist or other specialist.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, can be an effective treatment for certain types of muscle spasms. How does it work? The toxin temporarily paralyzes the affected muscles, reducing their ability to contract and thus alleviating spasms.

Botox injections are particularly useful for:

• Cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms)
• Blepharospasm (eyelid spasms)
• Hemifacial spasm
• Certain types of chronic back pain associated with muscle spasms

Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy

For severe, chronic muscle spasms associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, intrathecal baclofen therapy may be recommended. This treatment involves surgically implanting a pump that delivers baclofen directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

NMES uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, which can help improve muscle strength and reduce spasms in some cases. This therapy is often used in rehabilitation settings and can be particularly beneficial for individuals with neurological conditions affecting muscle function.

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Managing Muscle Spasms

While conventional medical treatments are the primary approach for managing muscle spasms, some individuals find relief through complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques. It’s important to note that these methods should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, conventional medical care.

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce muscle tension and alleviate spasms, particularly in cases of chronic pain.

Massage Therapy

Various massage techniques can help relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of spasms. Types of massage that may be beneficial include:

• Swedish massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Myofascial release
• Trigger point therapy

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs and supplements are believed to have muscle-relaxing properties. These include:

1. Chamomile tea
2. Valerian root
3. Magnesium supplements
4. Cayenne pepper (topical application)

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies, as they can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Mind-Body Techniques

Stress and tension can contribute to muscle spasms. Mind-body techniques that promote relaxation may help reduce the frequency of spasms. These include:

• Meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Biofeedback
• Tai Chi

While these complementary approaches can be helpful for some individuals, it’s important to remember that their effectiveness can vary. Always discuss any alternative treatments with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific condition.

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?

GettyImages/Armand Burger

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.

Call and register for a free consultation with a specialist!

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.

Material checked by an expert

Marshenin Konstantin Vladimirovich

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

Work experience – 22 years

Video reviews of patients

Joint block in the neck

Hernia in the lower back and neck

B Dr. Length’s clinic I came from spinal problems. With two intervertebral lower hernias and two intervertebral hernias in the neck. I was assigned a comprehensive 10 step program. For 4 months, my lower vertebrae completely disappeared and crunches in my neck disappeared …

Hernia of the lumbosacral region

“After the first time, my back stopped hurting. I felt relieved. Now 7 sessions have already passed and the back really does not hurt. I began to forget about it. And at first it hurt a lot. ”

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve

“For 4 months I suffered from severe inflammation of the sciatic nerve on the right side. After the first visit, relief came immediately within six hours. After 6 courses, the pain was almost gone.

Pain in the lower back and leg

Yakovleva Natalya Mikhailovna
Head of the department, surgeon of the highest category, oncologist-mammologist
I want to express my deep gratitude for the fact that I was put on my feet in the truest sense of the word. I came to the clinic a month and a half ago with severe pain in the lower back and leg. These complaints were long enough and the treatment that I used in the past was ineffective. Fortunately, I ended up in the clinic of Dr. Length and his team of super professionals!

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

“I applied 2 months ago with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. I have a sedentary job and my neck muscles were very cramped. It was impossible to work. Before that, I went to other doctors, but this did not solve my problem. For 2 months I have a fairly positive dynamics. Every week it gets better and better.”

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

Came in with a very serious illness. I could not walk, I have arthrosis of the 2nd degree of the knee joint. I went through a course of treatment at the Clinic and now I am going 100%.

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

“At the 5th-6th session there was an improvement. I felt much better. The pain is gone. Improvement progressed more and more each time. Lesson 10 today. I feel great.”

Pain in the lumbar and cervical region

“I am 21 years old. I went to the clinic with discomfort in the lumbar and cervical region. I also sometimes had sharp pains. After undergoing therapy, I felt a significant improvement in my back. I have no pain. The condition as a whole has improved.”

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.

Applying today will help

avoid surgery tomorrow!

Relieve pain and inflammation

After 2-3 treatments, exhausting pain disappears and you feel better.

Eliminate the cause of the disease

Comprehensive joint rehabilitation improves well-being: you feel a surge of strength and energy.

Let’s start the regeneration process

The process of repairing damaged tissues begins. Inflammation and swelling go away.

Prevention of complications

To avoid complications, contact Dr. Length’s spine and joint clinic.

We treat

• Chest pain
• Pain in the thoracic spine
• Heel pain
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• The lower back and legs are taken away

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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.