Muscle Spasm, Muscle Cramps, What Do I Do??
WHAT IS IT?
- Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary, and generally painful muscle contractions, which can occur at any time throughout the day or night. These usually resolve spontaneously within seconds to minutes.
- Muscle spasm is a sustained, involuntary muscle contraction, which usually feels like a “knot” or “tightness”, and can be painful when you use that muscle or group of muscles, causing limited range of motion. Muscle spasm cannot be completely relieved by voluntary effort.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
- Cramps:
Recent evidence supports the “neural excitability” hypothesis, which involves disturbances at the central or peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscle; however other popular theories do exist, including dehydration, low potassium or sodium levels, inadequate carbohydrate intake and excessive muscle tightness.
- Spasms:
Often is associated with a history of degenerative and/or inflammatory conditions of the musculoskeletal system, such as chronic low back or neck pain. It can be associated with sustained poor postures or activities.
WHAT DO I DO?
- To prevent muscle cramps you should stretch regularly, maintain good posture and muscle balance, provide adequate conditioning for your home, work and exercise activities and allow sufficient recovery after training. Other strategies such as massage, optimum hydration, carbohydrate and electrolyte intake can be helpful also.
- Muscle spasm can take a while to improve, as it is generally secondary to an underlying condition. It is important to address the underlying condition and treat as appropriate. Often massage, dry needling, heat (i.e., a wheat bag or hot water bottle) and regular stretching can be beneficial.
Bear in mind that pain in the muscle is not always a cramp or spasm. Muscular pain can be a number of things such as soft tissue contusion (bruising), a tear/strain, referred pain from the spine, or other more medical conditions.
Here at Orion Family Physio we will thoroughly assess your condition and provide hands on, effective treatment that best suits you and your issue to get you back on track quickly and safely.





