What's Causing My Muscle Spasms?

At some point in life, everyone has experienced a muscle cramp or spasm. Whether it hits you in the middle of the night or after a morning jog, they often come quickly and without any warning. Though they are common, and knowing the exact cause isn’t always possible, you can be more aware of the probable cause and risks that come along with them.

If you experience more muscles spasms than before, here’s what you should know:

Common Causes

Muscle cramps are often nothing to worry about and can happen to anyone at any time. The pain or spasm occurs when the muscles involuntarily contract and can’t relax. Most common causes include:

• Not stretching enough before activities
• Overexertion
• Muscle fatigue
• Mineral deficiency
• Spinal or nerve issue

The side effect of certain medications as well as certain medical conditions can lead to muscle spasms, too.

Risk Factors for Muscle Spasms

Your age, hydration level, and specific medical conditions can all put you at risk for muscle cramps. As you age you lose muscle mass, this can overstress what remains, leading to cramping. Without proper hydration, your muscles can easily be fatigued during physical activity, especially in warmer weather, leading to muscle cramps. This is why it’s essential to ensure you are always adequately hydrated and replenish your electrolytes.

Signs It’s Something More

Though most muscle cramps and spasms will subside on their own with rest and rehydration, often they could be a sign that something more complex is occurring. If they occur along with swelling or redness, it could be a sign of a blood clot and should be promptly examined. If you are also experiencing nausea, fever, and vomiting, you could be experiencing severe hydration. Burning and tingling down the leg could be a sign of a herniated disc.

If you are experiencing constant muscle spasms that are coinciding with other symptoms or you believe it is more than just overexertion, the leadership at Henry County is trained to provide the most advanced treatments in the management of pain to effectively get patients back to a “normal” life.