According to Dr. Tejashree Etam, Physiotherapist and Healthcare Analyst, Rush Staffing Solutions (India), a muscle spasm is a sudden and involuntary contraction of a muscle that causes severe pain and can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. A muscle spasm can affect any muscle in the body. This spasm is caused by the inability of the muscle to relax and control, leading to a feeling of tension and pain.
Muscle spasms are common and can be caused by a variety of reasons, including muscle strain, dehydration, mineral deficiencies, or injury. Muscle spasms can also be a symptom of other health problems, such as neurological disorders or muscle-related conditions. Treatment includes hydration, mineral supplementation, proper stretching, and rest. If muscle spasms occur frequently, consult a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Causes of muscle spasms
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can cause electrolyte imbalances, which can cause uncontrollable muscle spasms. Minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium are important for muscle function, and deficiencies can lead to muscle spasms.
Drinking too much caffeine
According to a study in the American Journal of Medicine, caffeine can increase the likelihood of muscle spasms. The stimulation of caffeine can cause muscle spasms, increasing the risk of cramps, especially when consumed in excess or when the body is dehydrated.
Stress
According to research from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (USA), stress and anxiety can cause muscle spasms by releasing neurotransmitters from nerves to muscles. Research also shows that anxiety can change your breathing rate, causing you to breathe faster, thereby changing the ion concentration and pH in the body, increasing the risk of muscle spasms.
Treatment
Dr. Etam shares how to treat and prevent muscle spasms as follows:
- Maintain electrolyte balance: Provide enough magnesium, potassium, vitamin D and B vitamins to reduce muscle cramps.
- Drink enough water: Coconut water contains a lot of potassium, which helps the body maintain moisture and reduce spasms.
- Immediately stop the activity that caused the cramp.
- Hot or cold compresses: Use a heating pad or ice pack to relax your muscles.
- Massage and stretch: Gently massaging or stretching the cramped muscle will help relieve pain.
- Stretch before exercise: Do stretching exercises to prevent cramps during exercise.
