Muscle spasms can occur at any time, often without any idea of the cause. Fortunately, if you learn more about these spasms, you can take steps to avoid them.
The five primary causes of muscle spasms include:
· Dehydration
· Lack of stretching before and/or after physical activity
· Muscle fatigue
· Extreme exercise, especially in severe heat
· Electrolyte imbalance that impacts calcium, magnesium and potassium levels
Muscle spasms vary in intensity. There are times when these are nothing more than minor twitches that occur every now and again. There are also times when a spasm is so painful that you may find it difficult to do anything else until they subside.
There is no right or wrong way to treat a muscle spasm, but there are some steps you should definitely take. Upon ceasing the activity that triggered the spasm – if you know what it was – do the following:
· Stretch the muscle
· Massage the muscle
· Hold your stretch until the spasm subsides
· Apply heat to tight muscles
· Apply cold to tender muscles
You hope that you never experience muscle spasms, but if you do it’s critical to pinpoint the cause. This will allow you to take immediate action, thus positioning you to feel better in the near future.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.
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