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 in Grand Rapids MI today to find out what we can do for you.