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How to Identify Spasms

Most often, short-term spasms will occur due to the extensive fatigue or injury of a muscle. While spasms can be painful, they are commonly associated with the feeling of tightness in a particular area, due to the muscle's sudden contraction. Muscle spasms can occur in almost any muscle on the human body and it is important to identify the exact location and cause of the spasm. Once the pain or tightness is targeted, it can then be eliminated with gentle massage or rest.

Things You'll Need

  • Knowledge of the human anatomy
  • Method of massage
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Instructions

  1. How to Identify Spasms

    • 1

      Locate the source of your muscle spasms. Study the human anatomy in order to gain a better knowledge of your spasm's muscle source. You will need to pinpoint the exact location of your muscle spasm in order to treat it, and that means that you will need to understand the difference between a quadriceps muscle and a hamstring muscle.

    • 2

      Identify the cause of your muscle spasms. Ensure that your spasm actually emanates from a muscle, and not from a hollow organ or other location inside your body. In most cases, you will be able to ascertain this information by simply paying attention to your body. The pain associated with a hollow organ spasm is often far greater than the pain associated with a muscle spasm. Organ spasms are nearly debilitating and should be treated with immediate expert medical attention.

    • 3

      Treat your muscle spasms accordingly. The best remedy for a muscle spasm is rest. When a muscle contracts rapidly, it's usually trying to tell your body that it is either damaged or fatigued. Maybe you over-worked the muscle at the gym or at work, or maybe you simply over-used the muscle on a daily basis. For better results, apply gentle massage to the fatigued muscle as you rest.

    • 4

      Stretch before and after physical activity. Over-working tight muscles is a major cause of muscle fatigue and will often lead to severe cramps and/or muscle spasms. To avoid any such occurrences, stretch properly before you engage in physical activity. If you have a physically stressful job, be sure to stretch before you leave the house for work. Keep your muscles as limber as possible throughout the duration of any physical activity.

    • 5

      Consult a physician if your muscle spasms persist for more than three days.

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