Muscle Spasm

Muscle spasm, also known as cramps is an involuntary and painful contraction/movement of the muscles. Muscle spasms may cause stiffness or swelling in the muscle. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle of the body. It is called Charley horse when it occurs in the leg. Spasms are risk-free and die down within a few minutes. The most frequent cause for muscle spasms:

• Exercising heavily, more than the normal routine.
  
• Exhaustion of the muscles
  
• Calcium and magnesium deficiency/insufficient levels in the body
  
• Dehydration in the body
  
• Pregnancy
  
• Hypothyroidism
  
• Excessive medications
  
• Excessive intake of alcohol
  

• Stretch the affected muscles just immediately after the spasm.
  
• Stop all activities and relax.
  
• Heat therapy will help initially and after a little pain relief, ice therapy will improve on the relief.
  
• With severe pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help.
  
• In very severe cases, anti-spasm drugs are prescribed.
  
• If any nerve is the cause of the spasm then physical therapy should be given.
  
• While active in sports activity and spasm occurs, drink water as dehydration during play causes spasms.
  
• In severe cases, massage therapy might be recommended.
  
• Injections are given directly to the spot in extreme cases.
  
• Acupuncture too helps.