- Stretch the affected area.
- Massage the affected area with your hands or a massage roller.
- Stand up and walk around.
- Apply heat or ice. Put an ice pack together or apply a heating pad, or take a nice warm bath.
- Take painkillers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
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Learn More...What is the best natural remedy for muscle spasms?
There are several things you can take by mouth that may help with your muscle spasms:
- NSAIDs. Over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often bring relief by reducing inflammation and pain.
- Pickle juice. Drinking a small amount of pickle juice reportedly relieves cramping muscles within 30 to 35 seconds. ...
- Supplements. ...
- Natural muscle relaxers. ...
What is the best pain reliever for muscle spasms?
These medications include:
- Cyclobenzaprine ( Flexeril)
- Tizanidine ( Zanaflex)
- Baclofen ( Lioresal)
- Carisoprodol ( Soma)
Is there an over the counter treatment for muscle spasm?
The 7 Best Natural Muscle Relaxers
- Chamomile. It contains 36 flavonoids, which are compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. ...
- Cherry juice. People who sign up for marathons train vigorously, often causing a lot of stress on their muscles. ...
- Blueberry smoothies. Another sweet and natural way to relax your muscles is by eating blueberries. ...
- Cayenne pepper. ...
- Vitamin D. ...
- Magnesium. ...
- Rest. ...
What drugs help muscle spasms?
What the Science Says About Chiropractic for Muscle Spasms
- Chiropractic Better Than Muscle Relaxants. This first study details a randomized clinical trial comparing chiropractic spinal manipulation to muscle relaxants for those with low back pain.
- Reducing Muscle Activity with Chiropractic Care. ...
- Muscle Spasms Because of Injury. ...
What is a quick relief for muscle spasms?
Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles. Taking a warm bath or directing the stream of a hot shower onto the cramped muscle also can help. Alternatively, massaging the cramped muscle with ice may relieve pain.
What is the main 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.
How long does it take for muscle spasm to go away?
A back spasm can occur after any type of strain or injury to the soft tissues (muscles, tendons or ligaments) in the spine. This type of soft tissue injury typically heals enough within a week or two for the muscle spasms to stop.
When should I be concerned about muscle spasms?
You should see a doctor for muscle spasms if you encounter any of the following situations: Any muscle spasms that are occurring regularly. Muscle spasms that are not resolving on their own with rest, hydration, and proper nutrition. Any pain or injury that you have as a result of a muscle spasm, especially back spasms.
What is the difference between a cramp and spasm?
Muscle cramp denotes an episodic, involuntary, painful contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasm is a more encompassing term referring to any involuntary muscle contraction.
Is walking good for back spasms?
Walk At A Moderate Pace The simple movement of walking is one of the best things we can do for chronic lower back pain. Ten to fifteen minutes of walking twice a day will help ease lower back pain. Substitute this activity for a more vigorous type of exercise if you prefer and/or are able.
Is heat good for muscle spasms?
Heat Therapy That is because heat stimulates blood flow and increases the elasticity of the connective tissues in your joints. Additionally, heat can stop a muscle spasm and relax muscles that feel too tight.
What foods stop muscle spasms?
12 Foods That May Help with Muscle CrampsAvocado. Avocados are creamy, delicious fruits that are packed with nutrients that may help prevent muscle cramps. ... Watermelon. One possible cause of muscle cramps is dehydration. ... Coconut water. ... Sweet potato. ... Greek yogurt. ... Bone broth. ... Papaya. ... Beet greens.More items...•
How to prevent muscle spasms?
However, there are some reported methods that might be helpful when it comes to overcoming those risk factors and preventing the muscle spasms: Perform flexibility exercises on a regular basis. Work towards better overall fitness. Stretch your muscles regularly . Do this especially for those most prone to muscle spasms.
What is muscle spasm?
Muscle spasms (muscle cramps) are painful contractions and tightening of your muscles. They’re common, involuntary and unpredictable. Although there are steps you can take to prevent a muscle spasm and treat it when it attacks, those methods are not always reliable. Muscle relaxants, stretching and massage are most likely to help.
What is it called when you have muscle spasms?
Otherwise known as muscle cramps, spasms occur when your muscle involuntary and forcibly contracts uncontrollably and can’t relax. These are very common and can affect any of your muscles. They can involve part or all of a muscle, or several muscles in a group. The most common sites for muscle spasms are the thighs, calves, feet, hands, arms and abdomen. When occurring in the calves, especially, such cramps are known as “charley horses.” A leg cramp that happens at night when you’re at rest or asleep is called a “nocturnal leg cramp.”
What is it called when you have a leg cramp at night?
A leg cramp that happens at night when you’re at rest or asleep is called a “nocturnal leg cramp.”.
How to prevent leg cramps from a sprained leg?
Choose water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Avoid exercising in hot weather. Wear shoes that fit you properly. Keep your weight at a healthy range. Experiment with mild exercise right before bed to prevent nocturnal leg cramps. Avoid medications that may cause muscle spasms as a side effect.
How long does a muscle spasm last?
It may twitch. Spasms typically last from seconds to 15 minutes or longer , and may recur multiple times before going away.
How do you know if you have leg cramps?
Swelling or numbness in the leg. Changes in the skin of your leg. Waking up over and over again with leg cramps. If your leg cramps are stopping you from getting enough sleep.
How to treat muscle cramps?
You can usually treat muscle cramps with self-care measures. Your doctor can show you stretching exercises that can help you reduce your chances of getting muscle cramps. Making sure you stay well-hydrated also can help. For recurrent cramps that disturb your sleep, your doctor might prescribe a medication to relax your muscles.
How to help a cramped muscle?
Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles. Taking a warm bath or directing the stream of a hot shower onto the cramped muscle also can help . Alternatively, massaging the cramped muscle with ice may relieve pain.
How to get rid of a cramp in the back of your leg?
Try pulling the top of your foot on the affected side toward your head while your leg remains in a straightened position. This will also help ease a back thigh (hamstring) cramp. For a front thigh (quadriceps) cramp, use a chair to steady yourself and try pulling your foot on the affected side up toward your buttock.
How to help a calf cramp?
If you have a cramp, these actions may provide relief: Stretch and massage. Stretch the cramped muscle and gently rub it to help it relax. For a calf cramp, put your weight on your cramped leg and bend your knee slightly . If you're unable to stand, sit on the floor or in a chair with your affected leg extended.
What to do if muscle spasms do not resolve?
If muscle spasms are especially painful, if they do not resolve or if they recur, medical care should be accessed to look for other possible underlying causes.
How to prevent skeletal muscle spasms?
Prevention is the key to most skeletal muscle spasm episodes. Since they are often associated with dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, it is important to keep the body well hydrated. If the fluid loss is due to an illness with fever or vomiting and diarrhea, controlling the symptoms will help limit the fluid loss and prevent spasms. Similarly, for those who work or exercise in a hot environment, drinking enough fluids to keep hydrated is very important. It is often helpful to hydrate prior to activities in warm environments.
How long do muscle spasms last?
Smooth muscle cramps may last for a prolonged period of time until the underlying problem that caused the spasm is resolved.
How to treat a hamstring spasm?
Should a large skeletal muscle go into spasm (often referred to as a charley horse), the initial treatment is to gently stretch the muscle back to length to break the spasm cycle and resolve the acute situation. For example, first aid for a hamstring spasm (where the muscles in the back of the thigh are affected) includes straightening the knee joint and flexing the hip, which stretches the muscles and helps resolve their spasm.
Why is muscle twitching a problem?
Involuntary muscle twitching is a significant problem because it may last for prolonged time frames and need medications to control or resolve the spasm and the associated pain.
What are some examples of muscle spasms?
Examples include torticollis and blepharospasm.
When is a skeletal muscle spasm evaluated?
Skeletal muscle spasm might be evaluated by emergency physicians when there is also heat-related illness present or there is concern regarding muscle damage.
What causes muscle spasms?
0:00. Muscle Spasms -- Causes And Treatment? Muscle spasm results from inflammation that occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn. It begins as a muscle strain, which doesn't sound like a serious injury, but it can cause severe low back pain. Many people go to the emergency room each year because of a muscle strain.
How long does it take for a muscle strain to heal?
The area may be sore to the touch, the patient usually feels better when resting. Fortunately, muscle strains usually heal with time in a couple of days or weeks because muscles in the lower back have a good blood supply to bring the necessary nutrients and proteins for healing to take place.
How long does it take for a low back muscle to weaken?
Pain medications and applying ice or heat may all help alleviate the pain. If an episode of low back pain lasts for more than two weeks , the muscles may start to weaken. Since using the muscle hurts, people tend to avoid using them.
Drugs used to treat Muscle Spasm
The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.
Alternative treatments for Muscle Spasm
The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Muscle Spasm. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Muscle Spasm.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What is the best treatment for muscle spasms?
Fishman adds that conventional medicine can offer treatments designed to interrupt the blood vessel constriction—muscle spasm cycle. Examples include ultrasound, an injection of an anesthetic, or a visit to a physical therapist that includes electrical stimulation to fatigue the muscle, thereby enabling it to relax.
How to release muscle spasms?
Other ways to release the muscle, according to Fishman, include hot baths, gentle massage, and hot packs.
What to do for a spasm in back?
Stretching for a Back Muscle Spasm. Ultimately, the best thing you can do for a back muscle spasm is stretch , says Dr. Loren Fishmen, a physical medicine, and rehabilitation specialist in New York. (Fishman is also a yoga instructor.)
Is back muscle spasm serious?
Though generally not serious , back muscle spasms often baffle doctors and family members, he says. This is because even though they likely produce little movement or support, muscles in spasm are hard at work; as such, they require oxygen and nutrient delivery as well as waste disposal. 2 .
