Muscle spasms can be caused by a range of factors, from nutritional deficiencies to serious neurological conditions. If experiencing severe spasms in the neck or back, medical attention may be needed as it could be a symptom of a ruptured or bulging disc. Stretching, a healthy diet, and overall fitness can help reduce the likelihood of spasms.
Muscle spasms and cramps occur when a muscle contracts involuntarily and painfully. There are a number of causes of spasms, ranging from nutritional deficiency to serious nervous system conditions. If you experience sharp and extremely painful muscle spasms in your neck or back, you should see a doctor, as these may be symptoms of a ruptured or bulging disc in your spine. If left untreated, this could have extremely serious consequences.
The process of moving a muscle is actually quite complex, although you may not be aware of it. It involves sending a signal from the brain through the nervous system to the muscle in question. An elaborate series of chemical reactions and communications will eventually result in the muscle contracting, causing it to move. Millions of involuntary muscle movements keep your blood flowing and your lungs moving, even while you sleep. If this process is disrupted, the result can be muscle spasm.
On the brain end deal, spasms can be caused by neurological disorders or conditions such as stroke. Damage to the nervous system can also cause this condition; many toxins, for example, attack the nervous system. Metabolic disorders can also be responsible for spasms, disrupting the metabolic communications that cause muscles to contract. In all of these cases, medical assistance may be needed to resolve the situation.
A lack of salts and electrolytes can also be responsible for muscle spasms. Dehydration is a common cause of deficiency, and more rarely, you can disturb the balance of salts in your body through water intoxication. It is also possible to follow a diet that does not meet the needs of your body, especially if you exercise a lot, thus depleting the salts necessary to control your muscles. Exercise can also contribute to this condition if you exercise too much, thereby depleting your muscles.
Spasming muscles may feel tight and swollen. They can also be extraordinarily painful and the onset is usually rapid and unexpected. If you’re lucky, your twitching muscle is simply a cramp, and you may be able to stretch the muscle to relieve the problem. In other cases, a contracting muscle freezes and you may be in for a long recovery. You can help reduce the likelihood of spasms by stretching, eating a healthy diet, and paying close attention to your overall health and fitness levels.
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