Are you experiencing muscle cramping in greater Madison area? A nagging pain between your shoulder blades? Sharp, shooting pains in your neck and back? Headaches? Muscle spasms are a very common condition, the most important thing to note however, MUSCLE SPASMS ARE NOT A DIAGNOSIS! Muscle spasms are a result of something else. A diagnosis of “muscle spasms” does not give you the entire picture of what is going on. LSM Chiropractic wants to help you overcome these spasms.
WHAT IS A MUSCLE SPASM IN greater Madison area?
Muscles are designed to contract. Sometimes they contract too much or for too long and cause pain and dysfunction. Muscle spasms depend upon the muscle involved and the circumstances leading up to the spasm. Skeletal muscle spasms usually involve muscles that are being asked to do too much. There is acute onset of pain as the muscle contracts. A bulging, tight muscle may be seen or felt underneath the skin where the muscle is located. Most often, the spasm resolves spontaneously after a few seconds though it may last many minutes or longer.
WHAT IS GOING ON?
Muscles go into spasms in response to several conditions. Most muscle spasms are due to asking too much of a particular muscle or muscle group. This is common after unfamiliar exercises or activities. It can affect both large and small muscle groups. Sore legs after the first ski trip of the season, or hand cramps from writing too much for example.
Trauma will also cause muscle spasms, this is commonly seen after a car accident. Your body will put a muscle into spasms as a protective mechanism to prevent further damage. Muscle spasms are a normal response that limit our motion and let us know not to overdo it.
Dehydration will also cause muscle spasms. Muscle cells require enough water, glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to allow the proteins within them to develop an organized contraction. Depletion of these elements can cause the muscle to become irritable and develop spasm.
Atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries (peripheral artery disease) may also lead to muscle spasm and cramps, again because an inadequate blood supply and nutrients are delivered to the muscle. Peripheral artery disease can decrease the flow of blood to the legs, causing pain in the legs with activity.
Chronic neck and back injuries in greater Madison area can lead to recurrent muscles spasms. Disc degeneration, herniation, bulges, spinal arthritis and scoliosis often result in muscle spasms. Systemic illnesses like diabetes, anemia (low red blood cell count), kidney disease, and thyroid and other hormone issues are also potential causes of muscle spasms.
Diseases of the nervous system, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury, can be associated with muscle spasm.
HOW CHIROPRACTIC CAN HELP MUSCLE SPAMS
It is important to remember that your muscle spasms are not a diagnosis, they are a symptom of something else going on. Muscle relaxers and medications that reduce spasms can make these underlying problem worse! Muscle spasms hurt, but they hurt for a good reason. Your body realizes that you have an injury and wants to protect itself. By limiting your range of motion and constantly reminding you not to bend, twist or move that way, you will limit further damage.