How To Treat Muscle Spasms
What is a muscle spasm?
A muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle which causes pain. A muscle spasm occurs temporarily and can be relieved with gentle stretching. It is usually caused due to dehydration, overuse of the muscle, insufficient electrolytes, low magnesium or potassium or under use of a muscle.
How do I know my muscle is in spasm?
A muscle spasm is an abrupt pain in the limb and you will find it hard to straighten the limb or back. The pain is a dull aching pain that keeps on irritating you. The pain will be hard to localize to a specific point. The common areas where spasms occur are the neck, upper back, Gluteals, thighs, the calves and the feet.
How do I treat the muscle spasm?
Stretching
Gently stretch the muscle. If you need muscle specific stretches feel free to contact us. Our information will be provided on clicking the “contact us” button down below.
Massage
Gently massage around the area of the spasm. For the more persistent muscle spasms that have not healed within two days, make an appointment with us to assist.
Heat
You would apply heat if the muscle is tense or tight. Place a RDT therapy Wheat bag or a warm towel on the spasm for 15-20 minutes. This will help relax the muscles. A warm shower may also help relax a spasm.
Ice
It is recommended after heat to apply ice to help reduce the inflammation.
You would apply ice if the area is tender or sore. Apply ice, wrapped in a towel to the area. Hold it on the area for 20 seconds and lift for 20 seconds. Do this for 15-20 minutes.
Topical Cream
Creams that contain lidocaine, camphor, or menthol can provide pain relief for the spasm.
Muscle relaxants
Are a group of drugs that slow down the central nervous system which have a calming effect on the musculoskeletal system. They are usually prescribed for acute conditions like back pain and tension headaches.
Natural muscle relaxants include:
Chamomile, which can be taken in tea form to help relieve spams.
Capsaicin, used in a cream can help release muscle spasms.
Vitamin D, if you have regular muscle spasms you could be lacking Vitamin D.
Prescription muscle relaxants
Methocarbanol is used to ease pain.
Baclofen eases pain from muscle tightness and muscle spasms.
Benzodiazepines is used for treating muscles spams, anxious disorders and seizure disorders.
Cyclobenzaprine is used to relieve pain and stiffness associated with muscle spasms.
Metaxaloneis used for muscles spasms that are a result from a sprain, strain or muscle injury.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:
These drugs, such as Ibuprofen, helps prevent the body from manufacturing substances that cause pain and inflammation. They won’t help the spasm immediately, but it will relieve the pain of the spasm between 30 minutes and an hour.
Gently massage the area of the spasm.
Apply heat to the spasm.
Chamomile tea to help relieve muscle spasms.
Muscle relaxant at work.