By: Nishita Kulkarni
By Alexander Jawfox from Unsplash
I. Introduction
Muscle spasms are sudden muscle cramps; they contract muscles spontaneously. These contractions can cause pain to the individual and can occur anywhere in the body.
Understanding what muscle spasms are is important because of how common it is for individuals to get them. Houston Methodist claims that about 70% of people report having muscle spasms. Due to the sudden and uncomfortable cramp, understanding the topic can help inform one of what measures to take to handle the cramp effectively.
II. Causes of Muscle Spasms
Dehydration is one of the common causes of muscle spasms. When the body lacks fluids, it causes an imbalance of sodium, potassium, and calcium electrolytes. These electrolytes are essential in the operation of muscles, so when the electrolytes are imbalanced, it can cause the muscles to have spontaneous contractions, which are muscle spasms.
Nutritional deficiencies, which involve an imbalance of electrolytes, are another common cause of muscle spasms. Similar to the dehydration effect, one needs to ensure that they are eating a balanced diet that includes proper nutrient intake, which can prevent muscle spasms.
Overexertion can also cause muscle spasms due to the amount of strain muscles face during intense physical activity. If muscles are exerted too much, they can lose the energy and nutrients needed, causing spasms. Exertion can also lead to lactic acid buildup in the muscles, causing cramps. This is why it's recommended to incorporate practical warm-up exercises before intense exercise to prevent cramps.
Conditions like damaged nerves, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and thyroid diseases can also cause muscle spasms due to conditions disrupting the transmission between the nerves and muscles, causing compactions.
III. Symptoms of Muscle Spasms
Symptoms from Muscle Spasms include...
Pain and tenderness: caused by the involuntary contraction of the muscle and strains of muscle fibers and tissues.
Muscle Tightness
Muscle Fatigue: occurs due to lengthy contractions during spasms. If the contractions are frequent, muscles can become fatigued and feel weak.
IV. Treatment and Prevention of Muscle Spasms
Hydration: drinking enough water and keeping oneself hydrated can prevent spasms caused by dehydration.
Stretching before exercise can help prepare the muscles before intense activities, reducing the risk of obtaining spasms.
Nutritional interventions: eating a balanced diet with nutrients high in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can prevent muscle spasms caused by dietary deficiencies.
Medical Treatments: If one has medical conditions contributing to muscle spasms, getting advice from a doctor and following their recommended treatments can help prevent spasms.
V. Conclusion
Overall, muscle spasms are a common condition caused by factors like dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, overexertion, and medical conditions. Symptoms can include pain, tightness of muscles, and even muscle fatigue. To prevent them, one should hydrate properly, stretch before activity, consume a balanced diet, and seek medical advice for underlying medical conditions.
MCR Committee: Physiology
Works Cited
Bonvissuto, Danny. "What Makes Your Muscles Twitch and Spasm?" WebMD, www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-twitches-spasms-causes#:~:text=Twitches%20and%20spasms%20are%20most. Accessed 24 June 2024.
Bordoni, Bruno, et al. “Muscle Cramps.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499895/.
Clinic, Cleveland. "Muscle Spasms (Muscle Cramps): Causes, Treatment & Prevention." Cleveland Clinic, 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/muscle-spasms-muscle-cramps#:~:text=Most%20of%20the%20time%2C%20muscle. Accessed 20 June 2024.
"When Should I Worry about Muscle Twitching?" Www.houstonmethodist.org, www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2021/dec/when-should-i-worry-about-muscle-twitching/#:~:text=%22About%2070%25%20of%20people%20report.