If you are worried about how to stop muscle spasms, then leaf through the following article that explains what is a muscle spasm, what are its causes and how to treat and prevent spasms in legs, back or neck. Scroll down...

A non voluntary muscle contraction which can prove to be very painful and which can be continuously felt for a few seconds, minutes or even hours is referred to as 'muscle cramp'. While performing any physical activity, voluntary contraction of muscles plays a main role. But when the brain sends signals that cause the muscles to contract against the will of the body, you experience muscle spasm and severe pain. Muscle cramps in legs are very common. Similarly muscle cramps in back or neck are also quite common. People who frequently experience cramps, are found to be looking for new ways of preventing cramps. Those who are thinking about how to stop muscle spasms should first take a look at the causes of spasms. Detecting the exact underlying cause helps determine the treatment.

Muscle Spasm Causes

• Any type of injury can be a cause of muscle spasms.
• Dehydration is one of the main causes of sudden muscle contractions.
• Muscle cramps can arise as a result of the body's reaction towards certain poisons.
• Damaged nerves or any kind of damage to the spinal cord can result in muscle cramps.
• Formation of tumors near muscles can create pressure on nerves, tissues and muscles leading to spasms.
• Aging is the main cause of spasms in muscles. Along with aging, muscles naturally become weak and lose flexibility.
• Poor diet that lacks in essential nutrients (especially calcium and magnesium) is also one of the major causes of this disorder.
• Excessive mental stress, weakness after a surgery or illness, prolonged nausea or vomiting can cause muscle cramps.
• Excessive running, excessive exercising is one of the most common causes of muscle cramps. Sportsmen, athletes often have to face this problem.
• Performing one and only one activity throughout the day, sitting or working in the same position, sitting in one position for long hours can also lead to muscle cramps and spasms.
• Women may suffer from spasm pain during menstruation as well as pregnancy. This can be due to hormonal changes or increasing weight/pressure during pregnancy.
• Certain diseases like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis can cause frequent spasms in muscles. How to stop muscle spasms in legs, back, neck, stomach can really be a genuine problem for these people.
• If muscles are not properly toned, which can happen in case of lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle; then you may experience frequent muscle spasms. Upper and lower back spasms are quite common these days.
• Spasms of the muscle 'heart' or angina indicates damaged heart health. Poor blood circulation can be experienced in several situations. Angina can lead to spasms in neck, chest or even in the jaw.

Sometimes, doctors cannot find out the exact cause of frequent spasms. In such cases, how to stop those spasms can be a real problem. If doctors are able to detect the exact cause, then the treatment aims at eliminating the cause.

Prevention and Treatment

How do you stop muscle spasms in neck, leg or back? By applying a warm heating pad at the affected area. You can cover the area with a warm towel as well. The treatment needs to be focused at relaxation of the muscles and fast reduction of the pain. Sitting in a hot water tub or getting a hot shower helps lower the pain and makes you feel energetic. Massage with oils can also help relax the muscles. Doctors usually prescribe muscle relaxant medications and anti-inflammatory drugs to stop the spasms. They also help reduce swelling at the affected area. Those who frequently experience muscle spasms, should learn some simple techniques of deep breathing and relaxation exercises. These promote gradual relaxation of the muscle. In case of an injured muscle, you may be asked to use muscle relaxant sprays and creams.

Regularly performed yoga exercises (or any other exercises of your own choice) help avoid spasms. Stretching before and after the exercise or sports is very essential. Adequate warm-up and cool down exercises help prevent cramps. Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated and helps prevent cramping. A healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in preventing muscle spasms in pregnant women, athletes and normal people. Depending upon the cause, you may opt for some of the measures mentioned below, to prevent frequent muscle spasms.

• Perform stretching exercises before going to bed to avoid night cramps.
• Avoid awkward positioning of the feet, back, neck during sleep.
• Use wrist supports
• Avoid high heels
• Adjust the chair position
• Take a break during an activity
• Take magnesium, vitamin D, E supplements after consulting your doctor
• Increase your fluid intake
• Inform your doctor about your routine medications. He may change some of the medications which might be responsible for sudden spasms.

Simple changes in your diet, eating and sleeping habits can help prevent sudden and painful muscle spasms. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help keep away these cramps.