Muscle spasms why occur

Anyone can get muscle cramps, but they are more common in some people: Older adults People who are overweight Athletes Pregnant women People with certain medical conditions, such as thyroid and nerve disorders When do I need to see a health care provider for muscle cramps? But you should contact your health care provider if the cramps Are severe Happen frequently Don't get better with stretching and drinking enough fluids Last a long time Are accompanied by swelling, redness, or a feeling of warmth Are accompanied by muscle weakness What are the treatments for muscle cramps?

You may be able to find some relief from cramps by Stretching or gently massaging the muscle Applying heat when the muscle is tight and ice when the muscle is sore Getting more fluids if you are dehydrated If another medical problem is causing the cramps, treating that problem will likely help.

Can muscle cramps be prevented? To prevent muscle cramps, you can Stretch your muscles, especially before exercising. If you often get leg cramps at night, stretch your leg muscles before bed. Drink plenty of liquids. If you do intense exercise or exercise in the heat, sports drinks can help you replace electrolytes. Start Here. Related Issues. Learn more about its causes and…. This article looks at the different types of myopathy, their symptoms and treatments, and the outlook for people with these muscle disorders.

Elbow pain can occur when lifting an object for several reasons, including tennis elbow and trapped nerves. Learn more about some causes and…. Many factors, such as muscle strain and bruising, and more rarely, a heart attack, can cause pain in the middle of the bicep.

Learn more here. Why do muscle spasms happen? Medically reviewed by Angela M. Causes Symptoms Treatment Prevention Seeing a doctor Summary A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary movement in one or more muscles. Share on Pinterest. When to see a doctor. Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What to know about enthesitis. Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD. What to know about myopathies. Occasional muscle spasms can be a normal part of life, but just remember that if they are happening regularly or causing you any pain, you should schedule an appointment with a Southwest Spine and Pain provider for further assessment. With multiple locations across the state of Utah, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to.

To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab! Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

Skip to main content. George - Medical Center Dr. George - Red Hills Tremonton. Rheumatology St. What is a Muscle Spasm? What Can Cause a Muscle Spasm? Some of the factors that may lead to a muscle spasm include: Medication. Want to know more? Your doctor will likely order certain diagnostic tests if they suspect your muscle twitching is due to an underlying condition. They may order :. These diagnostic tests can help your doctor determine the cause of your muscle twitching.

If you have persistent and chronic muscle twitching, a serious underlying medical condition may be the cause. Early intervention can often improve your long-term outlook and treatment options. The spasms tend to subside without treatment within a few days. But you may need treatment if one of the more serious conditions is causing your muscle twitching.

Depending on the particular diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe certain medications to ease symptoms. These drugs include :. But there are some things you can do to lower your risk:. Follow these tips for eating a balanced diet :. Most adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to stay healthy. Sleep helps the body heal and recover and gives your nerves time to rest.

To reduce the stress in your life, try relaxation techniques, like meditation , yoga , or Tai Chi. Exercising at least three times per week is another great way to feel less stressed. Talking to a therapist can also help, whether in person or using online therapy sources.

Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or eating foods that contain caffeine. These foods and drinks may increase or promote muscle twitching.