Muscle spasms are a common but painful condition that you have likely experienced. Suddenly, your muscle will abruptly contract for a short period of time, causing pain. These can occur during exercise, at night, or at a seemingly random time, depending on the cause of the spasm. Roughly 95 percent of people will experience a muscle spasm at least once in their lives, so it is important to be informed about them. If you find that you are prone to muscle spasms, your Jacksonville chiropractor at Schilsky Chiropractic can help.
Causes of Muscle Spasms
There are many potential causes of muscle spasms to consider.
- Poor circulation
- Overexertion during exercise
- Overheating during exercise
- Not stretching before exercise
- Dehydration
- Muscle fatigue
- Magnesium, calcium, or potassium deficiency
- Nerve malfunction
- Certain medications
Preventing Muscle Spasms
While some of the above causes clearly cannot be prevented, there are certain steps you can take to prevent some. The first is to remain hydrated, particularly during exercise. When you are dehydrated, you are significantly more likely to spasm. Additionally, be mindful of overheating during exercise; avoid exercising in extremely hot environments, and if you do, be even more mindful of keeping hydrated. Before you exercise, don’t forget to stretch to prime your muscles for movement. Other ways you can prevent muscle spasms include preventing magnesium, calcium, and potassium deficiencies by taking supplements and increasing the amount of these nutrients in your diet.
If you do experience muscle spasms, your Jacksonville chiropractor at Schilsky Chiropractic can help with muscle spasm treatment. We can perform spinal adjustments to enhance nerve performance and reduce pain without medication. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.