WHEN AND HOW DO MUSCLE SPASMS OCCUR AND HOW TO RELIEVE DISCOMFORT?

Muscle cramps affect people of different ages and can occur during rest as well as physical activity. Since the muscle is painful and practically unusable during contractions, frequent episodes of symptoms can be an indicator of a more serious health problem that needs treatment.

People at higher risk of muscle spasms include those in middle age, pregnant women, menopausal women, obese individuals, and those with conditions such as diabetes, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular problems.

Symptoms should not be ignored, especially if the episodes recur and restrict movement. Consult a doctor because continuous, uncontrolled cramping can cause lasting damage to the body.

What is a muscle spasm?

A muscle spasm manifests as involuntary and painful muscle contractions. During muscle cramping, the muscle cannot move, becomes rigid, and does not respond to the movement of that body part.

Muscle cramps most commonly occur in the arms and legs, but they can also result from the contraction of smooth muscles that affect the normal functioning of organs.

Muscle spasms often occur during stressful situations, exercise, or due to dehydration, or poor circulation, and may also have more serious neurological causes, such as multiple sclerosis, liver cirrhosis, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies.

How to treat muscle spasms - treatments at Fizionova Center

At our Fizionova centre, we conduct all the necessary examinations and tests to determine the problem and provide an accurate diagnosis. After a detailed examination and additional analyses, our therapists will recommend protocols that are best for your individual case.

Four different groups of protocols are available, which treat a wide range of conditions and have achieved excellent results: Protocol No. 2, Protocol No. 4, and Protocol No. 36.

In addition, our therapists will provide you with advice on preventive exercises and lifestyle changes to help prevent recurrence.

What are the most obvious symptoms of muscle cramps?

When it comes to muscle cramps, symptoms range from mild discomfort to intense pain. Cramping muscles are visibly tight and hard to the touch and cannot be relaxed.

Muscle spasms often last only a few seconds, but they can also affect the muscle for several minutes. After the cramp subsides, the entire region is painful and resembles inflammation of the muscle tissue. This sensation disappears after some time.

What can be characteristic is that during a muscle spasm episode, there are twitches in that part of the body, difficulty moving the joints, and altered finger positions if the muscles of the hand or foot are affected. It can also cause speech difficulties and difficulty moving until the muscle cramp subsides.

The most common causes of muscle cramps are harmless, but sometimes they can indicate more severe conditions.

Frequent cramping tends to cause problems such as "frozen joints" and the appearance of skin sores (decubitus), so it's essential to consult a doctor and seek help.

The causes of muscle cramps can be sought in neurological problems such as cerebral palsy, genetic diseases, multiple sclerosis, Krabbe's disease, as well as spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or excessive accumulation of amino acids.

Leg, foot, and other extremity cramps can also occur due to deficiencies in certain minerals, so a blood analysis is an essential part of the diagnosis.

When the cause is identified, appropriate therapy is prescribed, but it must also include muscle-relaxing therapy and improved blood circulation to effectively treat the condition.

How do muscle spasms from stress occur and how to deal with this cause?

Psychological difficulties can indeed have physical manifestations, and muscle spasms from stress are clear evidence of this.

Tension and cramps often occur as a result of stress and other negative emotions that affect the entire body. During stress, the body releases hormones that lower the pain threshold, raise blood pressure, and affect nerves, leading to involuntary muscle cramping and painful spasms.

Continued exposure to stressful situations has multiple negative effects, so it is crucial to work on mental balance primarily to eliminate these consequences.

Which body parts are most affected by muscle cramps?

Muscle spasms most commonly affect:

• Feet,
• Calves,
• Neck,
• Back.

The situation is such because the legs, back, and neck are subjected to the greatest strain, which affects the muscles that have tremors, tingling, and painful cramps.

How does back muscle spasm occur?

Back muscle spasms occur as a result of uncontrolled contraction of the spinal muscles. It most often occurs in the lower back, especially after lifting heavy objects.

Patients describe back pain as a dull ache or a piercing sensation during certain movements. Sometimes, back muscle spasms move the pain along the body and are mainly associated with other problems with the spine.

The most effective ways to treat back muscle spasms

To adequately address the problem of back muscle spasms, treatment must include a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation.

The "Fizionova" centre has years of experience in treating problems related to the musculoskeletal system, as they have a comprehensive approach to each patient, from diagnosis to initial treatment to progress monitoring toward healing.

Experience and modern therapeutic protocols have shown excellent results in the treatment of muscle spasms, so a combined therapy achieves muscle relaxation and pain-free movement.

How to relax a stiff neck and prevent neck muscle spasms?

The neck is subjected to significant strain because it carries the head, which weighs several kilograms, and contains part of the spinal column, numerous nerves, muscle connections, joints, and bones. If the muscles are overloaded, and the shoulder girdle is held in an incorrect position, neck muscle spasms can occur.

Pain and stiffness, headaches, and limited shoulder and head movement are just some of the symptoms, and if they recur, it is essential to consult a doctor. A physiatrist will prescribe exercises and provide advice on the correct posture of the neck.

How to ease shoulder muscle spasms?

Similar to neck muscle spasms, shoulder muscle spasms most often occur due to continuous poor muscle posture or excessive muscle group loading.

Pain restricts movement and can affect one or both shoulders. During treatment, it is necessary to work on removing the causes and relaxing the affected muscles

We have all felt a leg muscle spasm - how to help?

Although calf muscle cramping is most common, muscle spasms in the leg can also manifest in the foot, thigh muscles, or groin area. The pain lasts for a few minutes, but the uncomfortable sensation lasts much longer. Older people often experience leg cramps during sleep, and active people during or after physical activity.

The rule here is that sporadic cramps are tolerated as a natural occurrence. However, more frequent occurrences and associated symptoms may require more severe treatment.

Is there a natural remedy for muscle spasms?

A natural remedy for muscle spasms often involves the use of creams, essential oils, and natural remedies that relax the muscles and improve blood circulation. However, if symptoms recur, it is essential to consult a doctor and start physiotherapy, the best way to target the musculoskeletal system.

Don't let pain limit your movement.

Allow us to treat you properly and free you from involuntary muscle spasms forever.