Why does spasm occur

Muscle spasms can occur as a result of a lot of different things, from being tired to stress to certain medical conditions. In many cases, occasional muscle spasms are nothing to be concerned about, but read on for more information about when your muscle spasms might warrant a check-up with your doctor. As the North American Spine Society explains, a muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscle group anywhere in the body. Muscle spasms can be contained to just within the muscle, or they can be powerful enough that they involve the skeletal system too.

For example, if a muscle in your back spasms, you can injure your spine too. No matter how large or how small they are, muscle spasms can be quite painful and even when they go away, may leave soreness or injury behind. Muscle spasms can even occur internally, such as with an overactive bladder, which can involve the muscles of the bladder spasming spontaneously and causing leakage.

There are many different things that can cause a muscle spasm. Most of these causes are not serious, although they may require some action on your part to prevent them from happening again and to correct any injury or pain that resulted.

Some of the factors that may lead to a muscle spasm include:. Pseudoephedrine Sudafed , albuterol usually found in inhalers for people with asthma , and the stimulant Adderall can all cause muscle spasms. Stress and fatigue. Overuse of a muscle. Anything from strenuous exercise, to holding a position for a long time, or even performing manual labor can over-exert your muscles and lead to a spasm.

Electrolyte imbalances. Along with the right amount of electrolytes, your muscles need adequate hydration to work properly. On this page Basics Summary Start Here. Learn More Related Issues Specifics. See, Play and Learn No links available.

Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. What are muscle cramps? You can have a cramp in any muscle, but they happen most often in the Thighs Feet Hands Arms Abdomen Area along your ribcage What causes muscle cramps?

Causes of muscle cramps include: Straining or overusing a muscle. This is the most common cause. Compression of your nerves, from problems such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back Dehydration Low levels of electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium , or calcium Not enough blood getting to your muscles Pregnancy Certain medicines Getting dialysis Sometimes the cause of muscle cramps is unknown. Who is at risk for muscle cramps? Anyone can get muscle cramps, but they are more common in some people: Older adults People who are overweight Athletes Pregnant women People with certain medical conditions, such as thyroid and nerve disorders When do I need to see a health care provider for muscle cramps?

But you should contact your health care provider if the cramps Are severe Happen frequently Don't get better with stretching and drinking enough fluids Last a long time Are accompanied by swelling, redness, or a feeling of warmth Are accompanied by muscle weakness What are the treatments for muscle cramps?

You may be able to find some relief from cramps by Stretching or gently massaging the muscle Applying heat when the muscle is tight and ice when the muscle is sore Getting more fluids if you are dehydrated If another medical problem is causing the cramps, treating that problem will likely help.

These symptoms can be signs of a nerve disorder. You can apply a hot or cold compress to your sore muscles at the first sign of a spasm to ease the pain of muscle cramps. You can use any of the following:.

Stretching the affected muscle can also alleviate the pain of muscle cramps. For example, if your calf is cramping, you could pull your foot upward with your hand to stretch the calf muscle. It may also help to stretch the sore muscles gently.

Muscle cramps can interrupt your sleep. If this happens, talk to your doctor about a prescription muscle relaxer. This medication helps relax your muscles and calm spasms. Controlling the underlying cause of muscle cramps can improve your symptoms and ease spasms.

For example, your doctor may recommend supplements if low calcium or potassium levels are triggering cramps. Shop for calcium and potassium supplements. The simplest way to prevent muscle cramps is to avoid or limit the exercises that strain your muscles and cause cramps. Shop for multivitamins. Hamstring cramps are very common. They can come on suddenly, causing localized tightness and pain on the back of the thigh. Learn why you might…. Leg cramps at night typically occur in the calves, thighs, and feet.

Charley horse is another name for a muscle spasm. It occurs most commonly in the legs. The pain you feel can be intense and can result in muscle…. A recessed maxilla can cause cosmetic issues like flat cheekbones and a prominent jaw, and lead to dental problems, speech issues, and obstructed….