Cramps and Muscle Spasms in Grand Rapids MI

Overview
We are going to couple cramps and muscle spasms together because they share a very similar mechanism physiologically.
- What are Cramps/Muscle Spasms? - Involuntary muscle contractions that can last a few seconds to a few minutes. Each muscle is affected differently.
- Who gets Cramps/Spasms? - Everyone. Everyone from kids to seniors, athletes to sedentary.
Types
- True - hyper-excitability of the nerves that control muscles. Can affect a single muscle or an entire muscle group.
- Rest - typically occur in the middle of the night and also typically occur in the calf and/or hamstring.
- Traumatic - due to an injury. The spasm is a protective mechanism in an effort to stabilize an area.
Causes
- Dehydration - lack of water and nutrients (electrolytes) puts stress on the muscle which further excites the nerves.
- Inflammation - ongoing inflammation in the muscle system releases chemicals which causes spasm then triggers cramps as the muscle is inhibited and "turned off."
- Over/Under Use - vigorous (as it relates to your activity level) activity fatigues muscles which can trigger cramps/spasms during or after an activity. Sitting or sleeping in an awkward position can also trigger cramps/spasms
Treatment
- Hydrate - drink half of your body weight in ounces of water (NOT SUGARY SPORTS DRINKS). Ex. a 140 pound woman should be drinking 70oz. of water daily.
- Decrease Inflammation - Ice surrounding joints, avoid eating red meat and drinking alcohol, remove nervous system inflammation and interference with chiropractic adjustments.
- Rest and Activity Balance - Give yourself adequate rest and recovery time during and following exercise, stretch after activity. For sedentary lifestyles or professions, get up and move every 20-30 minutes.
Contact Kaminski Chiropractic in Grand Rapids MI today to find out what we can do for you.
Monday
8:00am - 12:30pm
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday
8:00am - 12:30pm
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday
8:00am - 12:30pm
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Thursday
8:00am - 12:30pm
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Kaminski Chiropractic PLLC
4930 Cascade Road SE Suite A
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 288-5999