Cramps and Muscle Spasms in Grand Rapids MI

Overview

Looking for more info on cramps and muscle spasms in Grand Rapids MI?  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 of cramps and muscle spasms in Grand Rapids MI

• True - hyper-excitability of the nerves that control muscles. Can affect a single muscle or an entire muscle group.
• Rest - typically occurs in the middle of the night and also typically occurs 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 that causes spasm and 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 interfere with chiropractic adjustments.
• Rest and Activity Balance - Give yourself adequate rest and recovery time during and following exercise, and stretch after activity. For sedentary lifestyles or professions, get up and move every 20-30 minutes.

Contact Kaminski Chiropractic PLLC in Grand Rapids MI today to find out what we can do for you.