Spasms

Description

The word spasm is used to describe a sudden, uncontrolled, and repetitive contraction of a muscle, group of muscles, or an organ. Spasms may affect any muscle in your body and can be short-lived or prolonged. Spasms are succeeded by sudden burst of intense pain which hampers the movement of and around the affected muscle.

Causes

Known causes of spasms are:

Alcohol abuse,
Alkalosis,
Hyperventilation,
Hyperparathyroidism,
Malnutrition,
Certain medicines,
Pregnancy,
Vitamin D deficiency,
Bell’s palsy,
Multiple sclerosis,
Muscular dystrophy,
Parkinson’s,
Dehydration.

Risk factors

Prominent risk factors of spasms are:

Tight, inflexible muscles,
Poor physical condition,
Poor muscle tone,
Inadequate diet,
Physical overexertion,
Muscle injury,
Muscle fatigue,
Dehydration.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of spasms are:

Abdominal pain,
Difficulty in walking,
Persistent diarrhea,
Fatigue,
Grimacing,
Headache,
Muscle pain,
Nausea with or without vomiting,
Numbness,
Rapid breathing,
Tingling in the hands or feet,
Weakness.

Diagnosis

To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will take your detailed medical history, will closely inspect the affected muscle, will ask about the duration, intensity, associated symptoms, character, severity, aggravating and relieving factors of your condition.

Management

The treatment of spasms is based on the causative agent. Treating the underlying cause may affectively provide relief from spasms. Simple measures at home include applying an ice pack to tender muscles and heat pack to tight muscles and gentle stretching and massage of the affected muscle. Counselling of the patient should be done to avoid physical overexertion of the frequently affected muscles.

When to consult a doctor?

You should consult a doctor if your condition is worsening, there is no improvement in your condition, your daily life is hampered, every other day you are getting a spasm, the pain becomes unbearable, or your condition is causing you emotional and physical distress.