Muscle Spasms Treatment
Muscle spasms can be an uncomfortable condition, and prevention is the best way to avoid them. If you do find yourself experiencing a muscle spasm, there are a few easy ways that you can work to combat it. Chronic muscle spasms may require medication to treat. If you have questions about muscle spasms, be sure to bring them up on your next visit to your doctor.
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What is a Muscle Spasm?
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According to MedecineNet.com, a muscle spasm is the involuntary contraction of a muscle in the body. These contractions can happen quickly, and can be painful. Because the muscles control bodily movement, the contraction can cause involuntary movement of the limbs or joints.
What Causes Muscle Spasms?
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Muscle spasms can be occur for an number of reasons. Medicine Net points out that the cause of a muscle spasm may be as simple as a fatigued muscle. Keeping a muscle in the same position for an extended period of time can lead to a spasm, as can dehydration and the imbalance of electrolytes. Muscle spasms can be caused by other, more serious, illnesses. Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes, kidney disorders, and anemia have all been shown to cause muscle spasms.
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Prevention
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Prevention is the key to treating muscle spasms. If you keep yourself well hydrated and eat a healthy diet, you should be able to avoid spasms that aren't tied to an underlying medical condition. Be sure to drink lots of water if you are working in a hot environment.
Short-Term Treatments
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Medicine Net advises muscle stretching and movement if you are currently experiencing a muscle spasm. Move the muscle through its range of motion, and stretch it gently. This will break the spasm and shorten its duration.
Long-Term Treatments
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If muscle spasms are a chronic condition, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant like Valium or Lioresal to help treat the problem. Doctors can also inject Botox into the problem muscle, which will paralyze it and prevent spasms. Regular massage therapy sessions can also help to relax the muscles and prevent spasms.
Talk to a Medical Professional
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If you have questions about muscle spasms, or need assistance in treating them, be sure to talk to your doctor. He can advise you as to how to treat the spasms when they pop up, prescribe medication if they are a chronic problem and treat any underlying diseases that contribute to the spasms.
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