Common Causes
Types of Skeletal Muscle Relaxers for Back Spasms
- Soma, Rela, or Vanadom (Carisoprodol) Carisoprodol is available generically and as a brand; brand names are Soma and Vanadom. ...
- Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine) Cyclobenzaprine is available as Flexeril, Amrix, and in generic form. ...
- Skelaxin (Metaxalone) Skelaxin is the brand name for metaxalone. ...
Related Conditions
What to Do At Home for Muscle Spasms
- Exercise Regularly
- Studies show a correlation between muscle strength and back pain. ...
- Rest Sometimes muscle spasms are caused by overworked muscles, and you simply need to rest for a little while until the muscle relaxes.
What is the best muscle relaxer for muscle spasms?
Symptoms
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle pain and soreness
- Lack of flexibility of the affected body part
- Pain with ongoing activity
What helps treat muscle spasms?
Though they both involve basically the same thing: muscle tissue involuntarily contracting- muscle spasms and muscle twitches are two completely different conditions. Since they are different conditions, they have different causes. Muscle twitches, called fasciculations in the medical world, typically only affect one single muscle.
What are the common symptoms of muscle spasm?
Are muscle spasms and twitching the same thing?
What are the main types of spasms?
There are four types of spasm: Flexor spasm – the limb bends, such as a leg moving upwards towards the body. Extensor spasm – the limb extends, such as a leg straightening away from the body. Adductor spasm – the limb is pulled towards the body, such as difficulty separating thighs.
What are the two types of muscle cramps?
Muscle CrampsInjury and vigorous activity true muscle cramps.Rest cramps and dehydration true muscle cramps.Body fluid shifts, low blood calcium, and low potassium true muscle cramps.
What is the most common cause of muscle spasms?
Muscle pain, fatigue, and overuse are the most common causes of muscle spasms. Other causes include stress or anxiety, which can lead to muscle twitches in the face. Trapped nerves can result in spasms in the back.
What are three common causes of muscle spasms?
What causes muscle spasms (muscle cramps)?Not enough stretching.Muscle fatigue.Exercising in the heat.Dehydration.Depletion of electrolytes (salts and minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium in your body).Involuntary nerve discharges.Restriction in the blood supply.Stress.More items...•
What is the best medicine for muscle spasms?
Over-the-counter Options for Muscle SpasmsAspirin (Bayer, Excedrin)Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)Naproxen (Aleve)
What is the difference between cramps and spasms?
Muscle cramp denotes an episodic, involuntary, painful contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasm is a more encompassing term referring to any involuntary muscle contraction.
When should I be concerned about muscle spasms?
If muscle twitching is new and you're experiencing additional symptoms, however, Dr. Ondo says this is when muscle twitching becomes more concerning. "We start to worry about fasciculations when they're of relatively sudden onset and there's accompanying weakness, loss of tone and shrinkage in the muscle," says Dr.
How do you stop a muscle spasm?
How to stop muscle crampsUsing dynamic stretches to gently warm up your muscles before exercise.Performing static stretches after exercise and before bed.Drinking plenty of water.Knowing whether you might be low on electrolytes and when you should choose a sports drink over water.
How long does it take for muscle spasms to go away?
Spasms can last anywhere from a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer. They're most common in the hands, feet, calves, thighs and back. Some spasms can be a mere annoyance, while others can be very painful and noticeable.
What disease causes muscle spasms?
Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that results in unwanted muscle contractions or spasms. The involuntary twisting, repetitive motions, or abnormal postures associated with dystonia can affect anyone at any age. The movements can be slow or fast, range from mild to severe and happen predictably or randomly.
Why do muscle spasms happen?
Your muscles depend on minerals, like potassium and magnesium, to work properly. If you're running low on them, your body sends you a message with cramps and spasms. Exercise or heavy sweating can deplete you, but some medications can, too. You might also lose too many electrolytes after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.
How do muscle spasms feel?
During a spasm, there may also be visible muscle knots or twitching of the affected muscle when the muscle contracts, and the muscle may feel hard to the touch. Spasms are involuntary and may take time (i.e., seconds to minutes) to subside.
How can you tell the difference between a blood clot and a leg cramp?
Timing: DVT symptoms are usually subtle at the start and then gradually increase over days. Cramps are the opposite. They typically start suddenly and feel severe but go away just as quickly and last only seconds to minutes. Cramps also most commonly occur in the middle of the night.
Why is it called a charley horse?
We know that the term charley horse originated when American baseball players were describing the cramps. Possibly, the players named the painful cramps in reference to a lame horse named Charley that worked at the Chicago White Sox playing field in the late 1800s.
What is tetany?
Tetany is a disorder characterized by enhanced neuromuscular excitability that is caused by various metabolic abnormalities. Irrespective of the causative factors, the variable clinical presentation can range from asymptomatic patients to life-threatening emergencies.
What disease causes muscle cramps?
Hypothyroidism: Having a thyroid gland that is less active than normal can lead to muscle cramps. Low electrolyte levels: Low levels of substances such as calcium or potassium in the blood can cause muscle cramps.
What is a muscle spasm?
A muscle spasm, also known as a charley horse or muscle cramp, refers to the involuntary and forceful contraction of a muscle, most commonly in the...
What causes muscle spasms?
Muscle spasms can occur due to several causes, including a lack of nutrients, muscular tension, overuse of the muscle, increased demand of blood fl...
What does a muscle spasm feel like?
The experience of a muscle spasm can range from minor discomfort with accompanying stiffness to a sudden, tight, and intense pain. This pain may pr...
How are muscle spasms diagnosed?
A clinician typically determines the diagnosis of a muscle spasm after considering the individual’s full history of symptoms and physical examinati...
How are muscle spasms treated?
Often, muscle spasms do not require treatment since they typically disappear on their own. An individual may be able to ease a muscle spasm in the...
How long do muscle spasms last?
Muscle spasms can last anywhere from a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer. Within that time frame, multiple muscle spasms may occur before ultimat...
What are the most important facts to know about muscle spasms?
A muscle spasm is the forceful and involuntary contraction of a muscle, usually in the upper or lower extremities. While painful, muscle spasms are...
Muscle Spasm Types
There are many types of muscle spasms including myalgia, cramps, tetany and fasciculations.
What is Muscle Spasm?
Muscle spasm is an uncontrolled contraction of a muscle. The muscle may twitch, jerk or shake. Muscle spasms are the most common type of seizure seen in people with epilepsy and can also be caused by stroke, brain tumor or other disorders that affect the brain’s ability to control muscles.
What are the Symptoms of Muscle Spasm?
The most common symptom of muscle spasm is twitching, jerking or shaking. However, muscle spasms can also cause pain or cramping. Muscle spasms that affect the muscles of your arms, legs and face are particularly noticeable because they make it difficult to move normally.
What are the Causes of Muscle Spasm?
There are many types of muscle spasms including myalgia (muscle pain), cramps, tetany and fasciculations (involuntary contractions). The most common symptom of muscle spasm is twitching, jerking or shaking. However, muscle spasms can also cause pain or cramping.
What is the treatment for muscle spasm?
Treatment options for muscle spasms include resting the affected muscles to prevent further injury; applying cold packs to tense areas to reduce pain and inflammation; gently stretching tight muscles; taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen; drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration that can worsen cramps or twitching; taking medications such as baclofen to reduce muscle spasms.
What is the prognosis for muscle spasm?
Muscle spasms are usually resolved with treatment but in some cases they may be a sign of a more serious condition (e.g., multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Muscle spasms that do not improve after receiving medication or other conservative treatments should prompt you to seek medical attention immediately.
Regenerative Medicine Therapy for Muscle Spasm?
There is no known remedy for muscle spasms, however there are treatments which can help to manage the condition.
What are some examples of muscle spasms?
Examples include torticollis and blepharospasm.
What is a muscle spasm?
A muscle spasm, or muscle cramp, is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasms occur suddenly, usually resolve quickly, and are often painful.
What are the different types of muscle?
Muscles are complex structures that cause movement in the body. There are three types of muscle in the body:
What is skeletal muscle?
Skeletal muscles are anchored to bone, either directly or by a tendon. When the muscle contracts, the associated body part moves. This allows arms to lift, legs to run, and the face to smile. Most of these muscles are under the willful or conscious control of the brain. This type of muscle is striated or striped with dark-colored muscle fibers containing large amounts of myoglobin, the protein that helps carry oxygen, and light-colored fibers that have lesser amounts of protein. The contraction of a skeletal muscle requires numerous steps within its fibers and cells. The nutrients required to produce energy, oxygen, electrolytes, and glucose are supplied by the bloodstream.
What are common causes of muscle spasms?
There are a variety of causes of muscle spasms, and each depends upon predisposing factors, the part of the body involved, and the environment that the body is in.
What are risk factors for muscle spasms?
Most people are at risk for developing a muscle spasm at one time in their life, from infant colic to kidney stones. The risks differ depending upon the person's past medical history, their occupation, and level of physical activity. Examples include the following:
What are the symptoms and signs of muscle spasms?
The symptoms and signs of muscle spasm depend upon the muscle involved and the circumstances leading up to the spasm.
What is a muscle spasm?
A muscle spasm, also known as a charley horse or muscle cramp, refers to the involuntary and forceful contraction of a muscle, most commonly in the thighs, calves, feet, hands, and arms. They can also occur in the abdomen or along the rib cage. Muscle spasms are typically harmless, but they may result in an inability to use the affected muscle for a short period of time.
How long do muscle spasms last?
Muscle spasms can last anywhere from a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer. Within that time frame, multiple muscle spasms may occur before ultimately subsiding.
What to do if muscle spasms do not improve?
If muscle spasms recur and do not improve with rest, a clinician may be consulted for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Diagnosis is typically made based on the individual’s medical history and the results of their physical exam.
What blood test is used to diagnose muscle spasms?
A creatine phosphokinase (CPK) blood test can be used to detect muscle breakdown. CPK is released as a result of muscle damage, ...
What information is needed to rule out muscle spasms?
Obtaining a full personal and medical history (e.g., occupation, hobbies, history of genetic disorders ) can help the clinician rule out ...
How long does it take for a muscle spasm to subside?
Spasms are involuntary and may take time (i.e., seconds to minutes) to subside. Afterwards, the muscle may feel sore and tender.
What to take for muscle cramps?
If the pain persists, individuals may consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen. If the muscle cramps cause severe and recurring discomfort that does not improve with rest, a clinician may be consulted to rule out any underlying causes.
What is muscle spasm?
Seeing a doctor. Summary. A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary movement in one or more muscles. People may also call it a charley horse or a muscle cramp or twitch. These movements can happen in any muscle of the body, and they are very common. Muscle spasms often occur as a result of stress, exercise, or dehydration.
What are the most common causes of muscle spasms?
hands. arms. thighs. abdomen. intercostal muscles, which are around the rib cage. Muscle pain, fatigue, and overuse are the most common causes of muscle spasms.
How long does a muscle spasm last?
Muscle spasms can last just a few seconds or up to several minutes, but they tend to go away on their own without any treatment.
How to prevent muscle spasms in legs?
Drinking plenty of water and stretching the muscles before any exercise or repetitive movements can help prevent muscle spasms. Some people experience muscle cramps in the legs during the night. Stretching the limbs before bed can help prevent this from occurring.
How long does it take for muscle spasms to go away?
Muscle spasms usually resolve on their own. It might take a few seconds or even several minutes for them to stop, but they do not often need treatment. Drinking plenty of water can help ease dehydration-related muscle cramps.
What are the symptoms of muscle spasms?
These might include: pain in the back, neck, or head. weakness in the muscles. skin numbness. a pins-and-needles sensation.
How to help a cramping calf?
stretching the cramping muscle gently. using a heating pad to relax tight muscles. applying an ice pack to soothe sore muscles. If the pain is in the calf muscle, the person can try putting their weight on the affected leg and bending their knee slightly. Doing this will stretch the muscle.
How to stop muscle spasms?
Here are some things to try: 1. Stretching. Stretching the area that has the muscle spasm can usually help improve or stop the spasm from occurring. Below are stretches for the muscles in your calves, thighs, back, and neck.
What is the best treatment for spasms?
Treating pain and spasms with hot or cold therapy can be extremely effective.
How to prevent muscle spasms in legs?
doing light stretching before and after you exercise. eating a healthy diet. Using kinesio tape or compression stockings may help prevent muscle spasms in your legs, according to a small study on runners. You may want to keep a record of when you get a muscle spasm, to see if it’s related to a particular activity.
What to do if you have muscle spasms in your back?
If your spasms are in your back, consider seeing a chiropractor. They may give you some targeted therapies and exercises to relieve your muscle spasms.
How long do you need to take muscle relaxants?
Muscle relaxants used for muscle spasms are called centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs), and are often only prescribed for 2- to 3-week periods.
What muscles are most commonly affected by cramps?
Muscle spasms or cramps are fairly common and most frequently occur in the leg muscles. But any muscles, including your back, hands, feet, or toes can spasm.
How many breaths per minute for cramps?
A 2016 review article on spasms reported an observational study with three participants who used hyperventilating at 20 to 30 breaths per minute to resolve cramps that were exercise-related.
What are the two types of antispasmodics?
There are two types of antispasmodics: benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines block certain chemicals in the brain, and nonbenzodiazepines act on both the brain and spinal cord.
What are the two classes of muscle relaxers?
Muscle relaxers encompass two classes. Trusted Source. of medications: antispasmodics and antispastics. Antispastics directly affect the spinal cord or the skeletal muscles with the aim of improving muscle tightness and spasms. Antispasmodics help reduce muscle spasms via the central nervous system. They inhibit the transmission of neurons in the ...
How do antispasmodics help?
Antispasmodics help reduce muscle spasms via the central nervous system. They inhibit the transmission of neurons in the brain. Antispastics and antispasmodics have different indications and side effects.
Where do antispastics work?
Antispastic medications work on the spinal cord or muscle cells.
Can muscle relaxers cause back pain?
While muscle relaxants may provide short-term relief of acute lower back pain and muscle spasms, these medications can cause adverse side effects. Some muscle relaxers can also be addictive. For these reasons, a person should limit their use as much as possible. Also, doctors and pharmacists may warn against using certain medications ...
Is muscle relaxer safe for everyone?
These drugs can provide short-term relief, but they can also cause side effects. Muscle relaxers are not safe for everyone. Below, we describe the different types, recommended dosages for adults, and possible side effects. We also look into an over-the-counter (OTC) option and whether cannabis might help.
