Spasms

Spasms are involuntary contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. They can occur in any part of the body and are often caused by overuse, dehydration, or certain medical conditions. Spasms can be painful and may interfere with normal function.

Causes

Spasms can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Overuse: This is often the result of repetitive motion or prolonged exertion. Overuse can lead to muscle fatigue, which can trigger spasms.
• Dehydration: When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes. This can cause muscle cells to contract involuntarily.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), can cause muscle spasms.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a spasm is a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. This can be accompanied by:

• Pain
• Tightness in the muscle
• Cramping
• Weakness

Treatment

Treatment for spasms depends on the underlying cause. This may include:

• Rest: This can help to relieve muscle fatigue and reduce the likelihood of spasms.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance.
• Medication: Certain medications, such as muscle relaxants, can help to reduce the frequency and severity of spasms.
• Physical therapy: This can help to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the likelihood of spasms.

See also

• Muscle cramps
• Muscle twitch
• Myoclonus

Spasms Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.