Relief for Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms are often caused by injury to a muscle, but also can be the result of prolonged stretching or straining. Spasms also may be caused by overuse of the muscle. In many cases, muscle spasms occur because of poor sitting posture that stretches muscles without you realizing it. Eventually, the muscle will contract involuntarily to protect itself from further irritation and injury. This unconscious contraction can cause pain and discomfort. Proper treatment can reduce pain and speed up recovery.

Self -Treatment

• In cases where poor posture is the root of the muscle spasm, correct your posture. Reposition items in your work space in order to accommodate proper body positioning. For example, make sure your computer monitor is at eye level so you don't have to overwork muscles in your neck to look up at it. Arrange your computer keyboard so you don't have to stretch in order to reach it.

  Both ice packs and heat packs can help reduce the pain associated with muscle spasm. Ice is appropriate in the first three days after onset as a way to reduce inflammation and swelling. Use ice for 20 minutes at a time. A moist heat pack is a good choice 72 hours after onset. Heat can help to relieve pain and cause a muscle in spasm to relax. Consider applying a commercially available microwaveable hot pack.

  Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but must be used judiciously. These medications generally will help with pain, but will not cure the muscle spasm or its underlying cause.

  Depending on the cause of the spasm, you may want to try stretching the affected muscle. A slow, gentle stretch can help increase blood flow to the area and may reduce pain. Massaging the affected area also may help the muscle to relax.

  In cases where the spasm is due to overuse, take it easy and rest the muscle. Rest allows the muscle to replenish nutrients and rebuild itself. If you overwork it before it has a chance to recover, the spasm will return.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapists have a number of tools at their disposal to help reduce the pain associated with muscle spasms and are trained to help identify and correct the cause. Among the tools that physical therapists use are therapeutic ultrasound, electric stimulation, heat and cold modalities and therapeutic massage. These treatments help to reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapists also can prescribe specific exercises and stretches that will strengthen appropriate muscles and correct any muscular imbalances that may contribute to the spasm. Some states require a doctor's prescription before you can visit a physical therapist, so consult with your physician.