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.