What is a muscle spasm?
What is a muscle spasm? Have you ever worked out, went for a run and later in the day your muscles are ‘jumping’? Maybe you worked on your computer in a prolonged posture and your back muscles are jittery, maybe even painful.
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle. Spasms happen when muscles unexpectedly tighten and cannot properly relax. Spasms can range from a mild, annoying twitch to severe, painful cramping (like a "charley horse"), and may leave the affected area feeling stiff, hard, or tender.
Common Causes
Spasms are frequently harmless but can be triggered by a few common factors
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium)
Muscle fatigue from overexertion or poor conditioning
Nerve compression, such as a pinched nerve in the bac
Poor posture or prolonged sitting
How to Find Relief
If you experience a muscle spasm, you can often treat it at home with these steps:
Stretch the muscle slowly and hold it to help the fibers lengthen and relax.
Massage the cramped area to improve blood flow and ease tension.
Apply heat or ice . Use a heating pad for muscle tightness, or an ice pack to reduce lingering soreness.
Hydrate and replenish electrolytes if the spasm was caused by exercise or heat.
Most spasms resolve on their own within a few minutes. However, if your spasms are frequent, severe, or interfere with your daily routine, it is best to find your local physical therapist and work with him or her. I am happy to help you out with this.
