Muscle Spasm: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Muscle Spasm?

Muscle spasm or a muscle cramp is an involuntary contraction of a muscle that can cause a great deal of pain. People often have "tight" muscles in their neck, back, shoulder, or legs. Muscle spasm results from inflammation that occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn.
A common name for a muscle cramp or spasm is charley horse. This term is especially used for cramps in the leg.

Recovery Time

Most often, the spasm resolves spontaneously after a few seconds though it may last many minutes or longer.

Diagnosis

Abnormal contractions are diagnosed through a careful medical history, physical and neurological examination, and electromyography of the affected muscles.

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is muscle spasm
Muscle spasm or a muscle cramp is an involuntary contraction of a muscle that can cause a great deal of pain. It results from inflammation that occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn. A common name for a muscle cramp or spasm is charley horse. This term is especially used for cramps in the leg.

2. What are its symptoms?
A spasm feels like tightness or a knot in a muscle. It may hurt when you use the muscle. A cramp during exercise may be extremely painful.

3. Which foods need to be avoided in such condition?
One shall avoid acidic foods and beverages, such as vinegar and tomatoes. Acidic foods tend to block the bodys ability to properly absorb calcium, which can cause a calcium deficiency.

4. What shall one do when spasm arises?
Take adequate rest.  Put ice packs on spasms caused by injury for the first 2 to 3 days. Use the ice for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Try stretching the muscle. Spasms that last a long time may be treated with moist heat for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day. Massage is very helpful. Stay well hydrated.

5. When shall one consult doctor immediately?
When neonates between 3 and 28 days shows sign of no sucking and crying along with muscle spasm or spasm occurring during pregnancy or within 6 weeks after the conclusion of pregnancy (whether with birth, miscarriage, or abortion) indicates tetanic spasms.