What is a Muscle Spasm?

Most athletes have experienced an involuntary contraction of a muscle at some point. This is a muscle spasm, and it can sometimes occur after a vigorous workout. Cramping is a form of muscle spasm where, instead of contracting and releasing, a muscle stays firmly contracted for a period of time. Most muscles in the body can spasm, not just the ones associated with physical activity. In some cases a muscle spasm can be a symptom of a much more serious condition.

Identification

• A muscle spasm results when the brain sends electrical signals to the muscle, causing it to contract. Some muscles spasms are intermittent, with the muscle contracting and releasing repeatedly. Others, which are typically more painful, are characterized by a persistent contraction that is difficult to relax.

Causes

• Muscle spasms are usually caused by inflammation or dehydration in the muscle. This, in turn, disturbs the flow of electrical signals from a nerve to the muscle and leads to involuntary contraction. Inflammation can occur when a muscle is overworked, strained or torn. Dehydration depletes the body of electrolytes, which are essential for electro-chemical signals. Poor diet or circulation can also lead to frequent spasms, as muscles are deprived of essential nutrients.

Types

• More-serious muscle spasms include stomach cramping and angina. Painful spasms of the sphincter muscles that allow food to enter and exit the stomach can be associated with acute illnesses, such as food poisoning or flu. Spasming can also be a symptom of a chronic condition such as irritable bowel syndrome. Angina is a painful tightening of muscles in the chest; it can also include the shoulders, neck and jaw. Angina is a symptom of heart disease and should be treated medically.

Dystonia

• A very serious form of chronic muscle spasm involves the involuntary contraction of muscle groups that cause repetitive movements or make normal posture difficult or impossible. Involuntary eye or neck twitching is a relatively common example of dystonia. Symptoms often begin mildly but can progress to the point of being disruptive to ordinary life. The cause of these conditions is not with the muscle, but with a specific region of the brain and the neurotransmitter chemicals that send electric messages to the muscles.

Treatment

• The treatment of muscle spasms depends on their cause and severity. Cramping that results from intense exercise or dehydration can be alleviated with rest, the application of heat or cold and drinking liquids. Persistent cramping can be loosened with deep relaxation and massage. Muscle relaxing pharmaceuticals, such as Valium, can also be prescribed to ease painful contractions. Injections of Botox, which temporarily paralyzes muscle tissue, can also be used. Dystonia is treated with drugs that regulate neurotransmitter levels.