Causes of leg muscle spasms

Leg cramps causes & treatment - Illnesses & conditions

Leg cramps are a common and usually harmless condition where the muscles in your leg suddenly become tight and painful.

It usually occurs in the calf muscles, although it can affect any part of your leg, including your feet and thighs.

After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours.

Three out of four cases occur at night during sleep.

Read more about the symptoms of leg cramps.

What causes leg cramps?

Leg cramps can occur for no apparent reason, known as idiopathic leg cramps, or as a symptom or complication of a health condition, known as secondary leg cramps.

Causes of secondary leg cramps can include:

pregnancy
exercise
certain types of medication, such as statins (medicines that help lower cholesterol levels)
liver disease

During a cramp, your muscles suddenly contract (shorten), causing pain in your leg. This is known as a spasm, and you cannot control the affected muscle.

The cramp can last from a few seconds to 10 minutes. When the spasm passes, you will be able to control the affected muscle again.

Read more about the causes of leg cramps.

When to see your GP

Speak to your GP if your leg cramps are affecting your quality of life; for example, if you have frequent leg cramps or they are interfering with your sleep.

Your GP will ask about your symptoms and examine your legs and feet. They may also ask if you have other symptoms, such as numbness or swelling, which may be a sign that you have secondary leg cramps caused by an underlying condition.

In this case, you may need further tests, such as blood tests and urine tests, to rule out other conditions.

Treating leg cramps

Most cases of leg cramps can be relieved by exercising the affected muscles. Exercising your legs during the day will often help reduce how often you get cramping episodes.

Stretches

To stretch your calf muscles, stand with the front half of your feet on a step, with your heels hanging off the edge. Slowly lower your heels so that they are below the level of the step. Hold for a few seconds before lifting your heels back up to the starting position. Repeat a number of times.

Medication is usually only needed in the most persistent cases where cramping does not respond to exercise.

If you have secondary leg cramps, treating the underlying cause may help relieve your symptoms.

Leg cramps that occur during pregnancy should pass after the baby is born.

Treating cramps that occur as a result of serious liver disease can be more difficult. Your treatment plan may include using medications such as muscle relaxants.

Preventing leg cramps

If you often get leg cramps, regularly stretching the muscles in your lower legs may help prevent the cramps or reduce their frequency.

You might find it useful to stretch your calves before you go to bed each night (see stretching advice above or try this post-exercise calf stretch).

The following night-time advice may also help:

If you lie on your back, make sure that your toes point upwards – placing a pillow on its side at the end of your bed, with the soles of your feet propped up against it may help keep your feet in the right position.
If you lie on your front, hang your feet over the end of the bed – this will keep your feet in a relaxed position and help stop the muscles in your calves from contracting and tensing.
Keep your sheets and blankets loose.

Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Written by Mary Anne Dunkin

What Is a Charley Horse?

A charley horse is a muscle spasm -- when a muscle suddenly tightens up on its own. These cramps can happen anywhere in your body. They’re common in your legs.

Charley Horse Causes

Things that can trigger a charley horse include:

Poor blood flow
Working your muscles too much
Not stretching enough
Being active in high temperatures
Dehydration
A lack of magnesium and/or potassium in your diet
A problem such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in your neck or back
Kidney disease

Muscle cramps are also a side effect of some drugs, such as:

Furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), and other diuretics ("water pills") that take fluid out of your body
Donepezil (Aricept), used to treat Alzheimer's disease
Neostigmine (Prostigmine), used for myasthenia gravis
Nifedipine (Procardia), a treatment for angina and high blood pressure
Raloxifene (Evista), an osteoporosis treatment
Asthma medications terbutaline (Brethine) and albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
Tolcapone (Tasmar), which helps treat Parkinson's disease
Statin medications for cholesterol, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), or simvastatin (Zocor)

Charley Horse Risk Factors

Certain people tend to get charley horses more often:

Older adults
Athletes
Pregnant women
People who are overweight or obese
Those who have conditions like diabetes or thyroid, liver, or nerve disorders

Charley Horse Diagnosis

You don’t need to see your doctor unless you have a charley horse along with one of these conditions:

Weakness
Numbness
Vomiting, diarrhea, or severe sweating (which can cause dehydration)
Drinking too much alcohol

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll also do a physical exam. They might order blood tests, muscle tests, or MRI exams to look for a health condition that can cause cramps.

Charley Horse Treatment

If you get a charley horse in your calf or in the back of your thigh (hamstring), put your weight on the affected leg and bend your knee slightly. Or sit or lie down with your leg out straight and pull the top of your foot toward your head.

For a cramp in the front of your thigh (quadriceps), hold on to a chair and bend the knee of the affected leg. Pull your foot up toward your buttock.

Massage, a bath with Epsom salts, or a heating pad can relax the muscle. To fight pain, use an ice pack or take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or naproxen.

In most cases, the charley horse will stop within a few minutes. But if you get them often and for no clear reason, tell your doctor.

Charley Horse Prevention

To help stop cramps before they start:

Eat more foods high in vitamins and magnesium.
Stay hydrated.
Stretch daily and before exercise. Stretching before exercise can help prevent tight muscles. Daily stretching can help with cramps caused by other things.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Limit how much alcohol you drink.
Ramp up your exercise slowly rather than all at once.
Don’t exercise right after you eat.
Don’t smoke.

Muscle cramps - treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Muscle cramps are involuntary and intense muscle contractions without a period of relaxation.
Almost everyone has experienced a seizure episode at least once in their life.
There are different types of seizures and different causes.
Many different medications can cause muscle cramps.
In most cases, muscle cramps can be stopped by relaxing (stretching) the muscle. nine0004
Muscle cramps can often be prevented by measures such as good nutrition with sufficient micronutrients and adequate fluid intake.

Muscle cramps is an involuntary and violent contraction of a muscle without a period of relaxation. When muscles that can be controlled voluntarily, such as the muscles of the arms or legs, are used, they alternately contract and relax as certain movements are made in the limbs. The muscles that support the head, neck and torso work in synchrony and maintain the position of the body. A muscle (or even a few muscle fibers) can be involuntarily in a state of spasm. If the spasm is strong and persistent, then this leads to the appearance of convulsions. Muscle cramps are often visualized or palpated in the region of the muscle involved. nine0019

Muscle cramps can last from a few seconds to a quarter of an hour, and sometimes longer. It is also not uncommon for the seizures to recur until the muscle relaxes. The spasmodic contractions may involve part of a muscle, the entire muscle, or several muscles that usually contract at the same time when performing movements, such as flexing several fingers. In some cases, cramps can be simultaneously in the antagonist muscles responsible for movements in opposite directions. Muscle cramps are widespread. Almost all people (according to some studies about 95% of people) have experienced seizures at some point in their lives. Muscle cramps are common in adults and become more common with age, but cramps can still occur in children. In any muscle (skeletal) in which voluntary movements are performed, there may be cramps. Cramps of the limbs, legs and feet, and especially the calf muscle, are very common.

Types and causes of muscle cramps

Skeletal muscle cramps can be divided into four main types. These include "true" seizures, tetanic seizures, contractures, and dystonic seizures. Seizures are classified according to the causes of the seizures and the muscle groups they affect. nine0019

Types of muscle cramps

True cramps . True cramps involve part or all of a muscle or group of muscles that normally function together, such as the muscles involved in flexing several adjacent fingers. Most researchers agree that true cramps are caused by increased excitability of nerves that stimulate muscle contractions. They are overwhelmingly the most common type of skeletal muscle cramps. True seizures can occur in a variety of circumstances. nine0019

Injuries : Persistent muscle spasms may occur as a defense mechanism after an injury such as a broken bone. In this case, as a rule, spasm allows you to minimize movement and stabilize the area of injury. Injury to just the muscle can also lead to muscle spasm.

Vigorous activity: true cramps are usually associated with active muscle loading and muscle fatigue (during sports or unusual activities). Such convulsions can occur both during the activity and after, sometimes many hours later. In addition, muscle fatigue from sitting or lying down for a long period of time in an awkward position or any repetitive movement can also cause cramps. Older people are more at risk of seizures during vigorous or strenuous physical activity. nine0019

Rest seizures : Rest seizures are very common, especially in the elderly, but can occur at any age, including childhood. Rest spasms often occur at night. Night cramps, while not life threatening, can be painful, disrupt sleep, and may recur frequently (i.e., many times a night and/or many nights a week). The actual cause of nighttime cramps is unknown. Sometimes these cramps are initiated by a movement that contracts the muscles. An example would be stretching the foot in bed, which shortens the calf muscle, where cramps are most common. nine0019

Dehydration : Sports and other strenuous exercise may cause excessive fluid loss through sweat. With this type of dehydration, the likelihood of true seizures increases. These cramps most often occur in warm weather and may be an early sign of heat stroke. Chronic dehydration due to diuretics and poor fluid intake can similarly lead to seizures, especially in the elderly. Seizures can also be associated with a lack of sodium. nine0019

Redistribution of fluids in the body: true convulsions can also be noted in conditions where there is an unusual distribution of fluid in the body. An example is cirrhosis of the liver, in which there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites). Similarly, seizures are a relatively common complication of the rapid changes in body fluids that occur during dialysis for kidney failure.

Low levels of electrolytes in the blood (calcium, magnesium): low blood levels of calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of the nerve endings innervating the muscles. This may be a predisposing factor for the spontaneous true seizures that many older people experience, and these seizures are also common in pregnant women. Low levels of calcium and magnesium are common in pregnant women, especially if these minerals are not getting enough from the diet. Seizures occur in any circumstance that reduces the availability of calcium or magnesium in body fluids, such as diuretics, hyperventilation, excessive vomiting, lack of calcium and/or magnesium in the diet, insufficient absorption of calcium due to vitamin D deficiency, reduced parathyroid function. nine0019

Low potassium levels: Low blood potassium levels sometimes cause muscle cramps, although muscle weakness is more common in hypokalemia.

Tetany

Tetany activates all nerve cells in the body, which then stimulate muscle contraction. In this type, convulsive contractions occur throughout the body. The name tetany comes from the spasms that occur when tetanus toxin affects the nerves. However, this name for this type of cramp is now widely used to refer to muscle cramps in other conditions, such as low blood levels of calcium and magnesium. Low levels of calcium and magnesium increase the activity of the nervous tissue non-specifically, which can lead to the appearance of tetanic seizures. Often these seizures are accompanied by signs of hyperactivity of other nerve functions in addition to muscle hyperstimulation. For example, low blood calcium not only causes muscle spasm in the hands and wrists, but it can also cause numbness and tingling sensations around the mouth and other areas of the body. nine0019

Occasionally, tetanic seizures are indistinguishable from true seizures. Additional changes in sensation or other nerve function may not be noticeable, as the pain of a cramp may mask other symptoms.

Contractures

Contractures occur when the muscles cannot relax for an even longer period than in the main types of muscle cramps. Constant spasms are caused by the depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - the energy intracellular substrate of the cell. This prevents relaxation of the muscle fibers. The nerves are inactive in this type of muscle cramp. nine0019

Contracture may be the result of genetic inheritance (eg, McArdle disease, which is a defect in the breakdown of glycogen to sugar in muscle cells) or acquired conditions (eg, hyperthyroid myopathy, which is a muscle disease associated with an overactive thyroid gland) . Convulsions of the type of contractures are rare.

Dystonic seizures

The last category of seizures are dystonic seizures, in which muscles not involved in the intended movement are affected and contracted. Muscles that are involved in this type of cramp include antagonistic muscles that usually work in the opposite direction of the intended movement and/or others that enhance the movement. Some dystonic spasms usually affect small muscle groups (eyelids, cheeks, neck, larynx, etc.). The arms and hands may be affected during repetitive movements such as writing (writer's cramp), playing a musical instrument. These activities can also lead to true cramps due to muscle fatigue. Dystonic seizures are not as common as true seizures. nine0019

Other types of seizures

Some seizures are caused by a number of nerve and muscle disorders. For example, these are diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), accompanied by muscle weakness and atrophy; radiculopathy in degenerative diseases of the spine (hernia, disc protrusion, osteophytes), when root compression is accompanied by pain, impaired sensitivity and sometimes convulsions. Seizures can also occur with peripheral nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy. nine0019

Crumpy . This type of cramps, as a rule, describes cramps in the calf muscle, and associates their appearance with muscle overstrain and the presence of degenerative changes in the spine (osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, lumbar ischialgia). In addition, cramps are possible with violations of the vascular circulation in the lower extremities (with obliterating endarteritis or post-thrombophlebitic syndrome). Also, various biochemical disorders in the triceps muscle of the leg can be the cause of cramps. nine0019

Many medicines can cause seizures. Strong diuretics such as furosemide or vigorous fluid removal from the body, even with less potent diuretics, can induce seizures as dehydration and sodium loss occur. At the same time, diuretics often cause loss of potassium, calcium and magnesium, which can also cause seizures.

Medicines such as donepezil (Aricept, which is used to treat Alzheimer's disease) and neostigmine (Prostigmine, used for myasthenia gravis), asraloxifene (Evista) is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women - may cause seizures. Tolcapone (Tasmar), which is used to treat Parkinson's disease, has been shown to cause muscle cramps in at least 10% of patients. True seizures have been reported with nifedipine and the drugs Terbutaline (Brethine) and albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin). Some medicines used to lower cholesterol, such as lovastatin (Mevacor), can also cause seizures. nine0019

Seizures are sometimes observed in addicts during the cessation of sedatives.

A lack of certain vitamins can also lead directly or indirectly to muscle cramps. These include deficiencies in thiamine (B1), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). The exact role of deficiency of these vitamins in causing seizures is unknown.

Poor circulation in the legs leads to a lack of oxygen in the muscle tissue and can cause severe muscle pain (intermittent claudication) that occurs when walking. It usually occurs in the calf muscles. But the pain in vascular disorders in such cases is not caused by the muscle cramp itself. This pain may be more related to the buildup of lactic acid and other chemicals in muscle tissue. Cramps in the calf muscles can also be associated with a violation of the outflow of blood in varicose veins and, as a rule, cramps in the calf muscles occur at night. nine0019

Symptoms and diagnosis of muscle cramps

Characteristically, a cramp is often quite painful. As a rule, the patient has to stop activities and urgently take measures to relieve seizures; the person is unable to use the affected muscle during the seizure. Severe cramps may be accompanied by soreness and swelling, which can sometimes persist for up to several days after the cramp has subsided. At the time of the cramp, the affected muscles will bulge, feel hard and tender to the touch. nine0019

Diagnosis of seizures is usually not difficult, but finding out the causes may require both a thorough medical history and instrumental and laboratory examinations.

Treatment

Most seizures can be interrupted by stretching the muscle. For many leg and foot cramps, this stretch can often be achieved by standing up and walking. With cramps in the calf muscles, it is possible to bend the ankle with the help of the hand, while lying in bed with the leg extended straight. In writing spasm, pressing the hand against the wall with the fingers down will stretch the flexors of the fingers. nine0019

A gentle muscle massage can also be performed to relax a spasmodic muscle. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with strenuous exercise, rehydration and restoration of electrolyte levels is necessary.

Muscle relaxants may be used in the short term in certain situations to allow muscles to relax during injury or other conditions (eg, radiculopathy). These drugs include cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), orphenadrine (NORFLEX), and baclofen (Lioresal). nine0019

In recent years, injections of therapeutic doses of botulinum toxin (Botox) have been successfully used for certain dystonic muscle disorders that are localized in a limited group of muscles. A good response may last several months or more, and injections may be repeated.

Treatment of seizures that are associated with specific diseases, usually focuses on the treatment of the underlying disease.

In cases where seizures are severe, frequent, prolonged, difficult to treat, or not associated with an obvious cause, both additional investigation and more intensive treatment are required. nine0019

Prevention of seizures

Adequate nutrition with sufficient fluids and electrolytes is essential to prevent possible seizures, especially during strenuous exercise or during pregnancy.

Night cramps and other rest cramps can often be prevented with regular stretching exercises, especially if done before bed.

Magnesium and calcium supplements are also good for preventing seizures, but caution is required when prescribing them in the presence of renal insufficiency. In the presence of hypovitaminosis, it is necessary to take vitamins of group B, vitamin D, E. nine0019

If the patient is taking diuretics, it is necessary to take potassium supplements.

Recently, the only drug that is widely used for the prevention, and sometimes for the treatment of seizures, is quinine. Quinine has been used for many years in the treatment of malaria. The action of quinine is due to a decrease in muscle excitability. However, quinine has a number of serious side effects that limit its use to all groups of patients (nausea, vomiting, headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, hearing impairment, etc.). nine0019

Muscle spasms - methods of treatment, diagnosis and causes of spasms

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16 Muscle spasm19 Israel, Germany - Sudden painful muscle contraction. Occurs involuntarily, sometimes during sleep or rest. Occurs in healthy young people. Most often occurs with overwork and high physical exertion, metabolic disorders. nine0019

Causes of spasms

Many conditions can cause spasms:

taking or abruptly stopping certain medications;
hormonal dysfunction;
lack of vitamins or minerals;
diseases of the nervous system;
dehydration;
excessive exercise;
sedentary lifestyle;
diseases of the musculoskeletal system. nine0004

Symptoms of muscle spasm

Muscle spasm can be reasonably suspected if pain is felt:

severe, pressure-aching character;
increasing, with pressure on the site of maximum pain;
not subsiding at rest;
abruptly arising, and then passing.

Classification of muscle spasms

The following types of muscle spasms are divided:

nine0201 Short-term attacks at night or during physical overwork. Accompanied by muscle numbness, ocular tic, tachycardia, profuse sweating

Name	Cause	Description
Clonic	Excitation of the cerebral cortex	Synchronous non-rhythmic contractions accompanied by soreness. Loss or clouding of consciousness, disorientation. The beginning and end of the spasm is sudden
Myoclonic	Nervous system response to physical or nervous overwork
Tonic	Overexcitation of the basal regions of the brain	Intense convulsions that come on gradually. May occur during rest periods on upper or lower extremities, face, airways

All types of muscle spasms are divided into:

generalized - involving a large part of the body and many internal organs;
local - emerging place, in separate areas.

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At the consultation, we carry out a thorough diagnosis. As a result of the consultation We give detailed recommendations for treatment and, if necessary, prescribe additional diagnostics. nine0019

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Alarming symptoms that require a doctor's visit

In most cases, spasms go away on their own, in a matter of minutes. They can be painful, but do not pose a threat to human health and life. You should consult a doctor if the ailment recurs repeatedly and is accompanied by:

severe weakness;
loss of sensation in the area affected by spasm;
long-term muscle twitching after an attack;
vomiting, diarrhoea, profuse sweating resulting in significant fluid loss in the body;
increased soreness of each subsequent attack.

First aid for spasms at home

0019

Exclude physical activity, create rest for the painful limb or part of the body.
For 10-15 minutes, apply an ice compress to a muscle spasming from exercise, and dry heat to a cramped muscle for an unclear reason.
Perform a light self-massage of the painful area, increasing blood flow.
Drink plenty of mineral water or water with salt.
Gently stretch the muscle, taking into account the area of the body, except in cases with severe pain. nine0004

Muscle spasms rarely last more than 15 minutes. However, the residual discomfort can be quite long and unpleasant. Even having eliminated the spasm on your own, do not put off a visit to an experienced specialist for a long time.

Diagnosis of emerging problems

The causes of muscle spasm can be quite obvious problems: high physical activity during sports training, non-physiological static posture, anything else. After removing the pain manifestation, you can prophylactically visit a specialist doctor. nine0019

Spasms of the head, cervical region, abdomen and others that occur suddenly, without obvious external causes of discomfort, require a mandatory visit to a doctor. Such muscle spasms can be symptoms of serious diseases that require immediate treatment. It is recommended to pay a visit to a neurologist or orthopedist. After conducting an examination, questioning and additional studies, the specialist will make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Diagnostic stages:

questioning the patient about symptoms: the time of onset of spasms, their duration, frequency, localization, possible provoking factors, additional symptoms, general information about previous, chronic diseases, lifestyle, heredity; nine0004
medical examination aimed at neurological examination of the state of muscles and reflexes, examination of the skin;
additional examination: various types of clinical blood tests, including the level of sugar and electrolytes, electromyography - assessment of the functional state of skeletal muscles and peripheral nerve fibers, MRI of the brain or spinal cord, other studies according to individual indications.

The collected information will serve as a basis for establishing the cause of the condition, accurate diagnosis of the disease. Depending on the prevailing picture, the attending physician will develop a detailed scheme for the most effective and efficient treatment. nine0019

Treatment of pathology

Complex therapy helps to eliminate muscle spasms of tissues, get rid of pain manifestations. Depending on the identified cause of the pathology, the following are prescribed:

physiotherapeutic procedures;
performing massage procedures;
cryotherapy, exposure to cold;
laser therapy;
acupuncture;
medicines.

Medical treatment of muscle spasm

To effectively relax cramped muscles and quickly eliminate pain, use:

Muscle relaxants, drugs that lower muscle tone until the muscles are completely immobilized;
Antispasmodics, drugs that eliminate spasm of the smooth muscles of the internal organs of the patient;
NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with high-quality analgesic effect.

Most drugs in these groups are available over the counter. Nevertheless, before a medical examination, it is not recommended to take drugs on your own, so as not to blur the clinical picture of the disease, suppressing the development of a serious complication. nine0019

Possible complications of the disease

If you do not pay attention to muscle spasms, then over time their duration and severity will increase, and will also provoke the progress of serious diseases of the body, such as:

osteochondrosis;
narrowing of the arteries, circulatory disorders;
postural disorders, problems of the musculoskeletal system;
migraines.

It is much more difficult to cure neglected muscle spasms than a pathological process that has just started. nine0019

Prevention of muscle cramps

Effective preventive measures help reduce the likelihood of recurrence of painful manifestations, as well as avoid dangerous complications:

taking vitamin and mineral complexes;
daily consumption of at least two liters of drinking water;
regular muscle-strengthening exercise;
giving up bad habits;
timely treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system; nine0004
undergoing annual scheduled medical examinations, as well as visiting a doctor in the presence of dangerous symptoms.

Muscle spasms: advanced treatment in Moscow

Effective treatment of muscle spasms is possible only with timely access to highly qualified specialists. These are the doctors who work in our clinic. For many years they have been successfully coping with muscle spasms, restoring health and joy of life to the most difficult and hopeless patients. We accept for treatment even those who have been rejected by other specialists or medical institutions. nine0019

A guaranteed positive result is the logical result of an innovative approach that combines classical methods of therapy proven by practice, as well as innovative achievements of modern medicine in the field of treatment of muscle spasms. The professional arsenal of doctors of the clinic is rich and varied. It contains a huge number of rehabilitation and recovery programs, and is also systematically updated with the most effective and progressive methods. Our doctors are constantly adopting the best practices of leading experts in this field, leaving for training, seminars, conferences in leading clinics in Israel, the USA, Germany. nine0019

We offer our patients a free consultation with an experienced specialist, an extended diagnosis of the problem, and a plan of therapeutic measures. From the first treatment procedures, patients notice a significant improvement in their condition, partial or complete relief of pain symptoms.

Call and register for a free appointment with a specialist!

Frequently asked questions

What are the harms of muscle tension and spasms?

A spasmodic muscle compresses blood vessels and nerve fibers. The normal functioning of not only the tissues of the muscle itself is disturbed, but also of closely located internal organs. In addition, muscle spasm maintains the tissue in a constantly tense state, increasing the body's energy consumption for irrational and even harmful work. nine0019

What diseases can mimic muscle spasms?

The cause of such destruction may be:

Dystonia, giving more persistent, repetitive convulsions, which may involve several nearby muscle groups;
Tetany, neuromuscular excitability syndrome in metabolic disorders;
Muscle ischemia, giving painful symptoms of the muscles of the extremities during exercise, associated with insufficiently active blood circulation; nine0004
Phantom spasms, the occurrence of a sensation of muscle spasm in the absence of a true contraction.

Who tends to cramp more often?

The problem is familiar to every person, but for some it is a rarity, while for others it is a constant companion. The risk group includes people:

suffering from vascular diseases and muscle atrophy;
engaged in heavy physical labor;
athletes;
alcohol abusers;
babies up to three years old, when the temperature rises above 38 degrees.

Why does muscle contraction in pregnant women?

During pregnancy there is a complete restructuring of the body, including metabolism. Against this background, there is often a deficiency of certain elements or vitamins, in particular magnesium. It is his lack that causes muscle spasm. Against the background of weight gain, the load on the woman's legs increases, causing the occurrence of painful contractions. The lumbar spine, which is in tension under the pressure of the uterus, leads to painful reduction of the back muscles. In the state of gestation, women are recommended frequent rest and physiotherapy exercises, which strengthen the muscular corset of the body. nine0019

Material checked by an expert

Marshenin Konstantin Vladimirovich

Chief physician. Neurologist, chiropractor, vertebrologist, psychoneurologist, doctor of the highest qualification category

Work experience - 22 years

Video reviews of patients

Hernia in the lower back and neck

I came to Dr. Length's clinic with spinal problems. With two intervertebral lower hernias and two intervertebral hernias in the neck. I was assigned a comprehensive 10 step program. For 4 months, my lower vertebrae completely disappeared and crunches in my neck disappeared ...

Hernia of the lumbosacral region

“After the first time, my back stopped hurting. I felt relieved. Now 7 sessions have already passed and the back really does not hurt. I began to forget about it. And at first it hurt a lot.”

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve

“For 4 months I suffered from severe inflammation of the sciatic nerve on the right side. After the first visit, relief came immediately within six hours. After 6 courses, the pain was almost gone. nine0135

Pain in the lower back and leg

Yakovleva Natalya Mikhailovna
Head of the department, surgeon of the highest category, oncologist-mammologist
I want to express my deep gratitude for the fact that I was put on my feet in the truest sense of the word. I came to the clinic a month and a half ago with severe pain in the lower back and leg. These complaints were long enough and the treatment that I used in the past was ineffective. Fortunately, I ended up in the clinic of Dr. Length and his team of super professionals! nine0019

Cervical osteochondrosis

“I applied 2 months ago with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. I have a sedentary job and my neck muscles were very cramped. It was impossible to work. Before that, I went to other doctors, but this did not solve my problem. For 2 months I have a fairly positive dynamics. Every week it gets better and better.”

Bechterew's disease

“I have had Bechterew's disease for 10 years. The vertebrae began to move out, I began to slouch. I turned to other chiropractors, very famous, media ones. In the end, I didn't get any results. After 2 sessions I felt much better. Now I don't have any pain." nine0019

Pain in the spine

“I came in with problems in my back, cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. I was prescribed procedures, had a massage, and was assigned to do physical education at home. This made it much easier for me. I'm already turning my head. I have no pain."

Shoulder-to-shoulder periarthrosis

I came to the clinic with severe pain in my shoulder. My hand did not rise, I could not sleep at night, I woke up from pain. After the first treatment session, I felt much better. Somewhere in the middle of the course, my hand began to rise, I began to sleep at night. nine0019

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint, 2nd degree

Came with a very serious illness. I could not walk, I have arthrosis of the 2nd degree of the knee joint. I went through a course of treatment at the Clinic and now I am going 100%.

Herniated disc

“I came to the clinic after I had back pain and it turned out to be a herniated disc. I went to other places, but they only relieved attacks of pain. Hope for a return to normal life was given only by Sergei Vladimirovich, his golden hands! nine0019

Scoliosis

“Since I was a teenager, I have suffered from scoliosis in the thoracic region. I felt a feeling of discomfort, tension, periodic pain in the spine. I turned to various specialists, a massage therapist, an osteopath, but I did not feel a strong effect. After treatment, Length S.V. I almost have a straight spine. Currently, I do not feel any problems and discomfort.”

Intervertebral hernia

“At the 5th-6th session there was an improvement. I felt much better. The pain is gone. Improvement progressed more and more each time. Lesson 10 today. I feel great." nine0019

Pain in the lumbar and cervical region

“I am 21 years old. I went to the clinic with discomfort in the lumbar and cervical region. I also sometimes had sharp pains. After undergoing therapy, I felt a significant improvement in my back. I have no pain. The condition as a whole has improved.”

Back pain

“At the beginning of the healing process, my back hurt very badly. I could no longer walk. I take 5 steps and stop. My entire journey consisted of such stops. In the very first procedure, I left the office with no pain in my spine.” nine0019

Cervical hernia

“I came in with a problem in my neck and my right arm was very sore. The neck did not turn, the hand did not rise. After the 3rd session, I felt better. After the 5th, all this pain began to decrease. It turns out I have 2 hernias in my cervical vertebrae. After the sessions, I did an MRI and one hernia decreased. Now he began to move, his hand earned.

Pain in the neck

“I went to Dr. Long because I had a very bad pain in my neck on the right side. I fell on a snowboard 5 years ago, even went to an osteopath, but somehow it didn’t really help. Now everything is fine, there are some consequences left, the muscles were spasmodic. When I came, I had steel muscles, now my neck is very soft.” nine0019

Pain in the thoracic region

“I went to the clinic with back pain, namely in the thoracic region. After 10 sessions of treatment, I could already calmly go about my usual business, stay at work until lunch, without howling in pain. Now I've come back for an adjustment after 2 months. I'm fine, my back doesn't hurt."

Hernia and protrusion

“I came to the clinic with L4-L5 hernia and L5-S1 protrusion. Today the course of treatment has ended. Lower back hurt, it was difficult to bend down. After completing the course and receiving instructions in the form of physical exercises, it became much easier. After a month of treatment, I do not feel any stiffness of movements. ” nine0019

Pain in the lower back and hip joint

“I have been suffering from back pain since I was young. When they became unbearable, I went to Dr. Length's clinic. Already after the first procedure, the pain in the hip joint was gone. After the third procedure, the shooting pains in the lower back stopped.

Very effective procedures

The procedures turned out to be very effective. I used to go to other clinics and 100% did not relieve my pain, they bothered me. After this specialist, after three or four sessions, my functions were restored, the pain in the joints disappeared. nine0019