What is a spasm of the muscles of the collar zone, why does it occur? How to quickly relieve pain from spasm of the muscles of the neck and shoulders. Effective and inexpensive methods of treatment: medicines, folk remedies, physiotherapy. Preventive measures to help prevent recurrence of the disease.

Spasm of the muscles of the neck and shoulders is a common problem that people of all ages can face. However, the most susceptible to the disease are people who are often in a static position of the body (working at a computer), leading a sedentary lifestyle, or, conversely, giving an excessive load on the cervical region.

What is a spasm of the muscles of the collar zone, why does it occur? How to quickly relieve pain? Effective and inexpensive methods of treatment, folk remedies, physiotherapy.

Definition

A spasm is an involuntary muscle contraction that causes them to contract. Together with muscle tissue, nearby vessels are clamped. This condition leads to disruption of the functioning of spasmodic tissues, which causes pain in the patient, as well as other unpleasant consequences, which will be discussed in detail below.

The layout of the main muscles of the neck and shoulders

Types of spasms

As mentioned above, the cervical region includes many muscle fibers. Depending on which ones were spasmodic, the following types of spasms are distinguished:

1. Deep muscles of the neck. deep muscles necks emerge from the ribs, passing close to the intercostal, cervical and transverse arteries.
2. Muscles of the neck and shoulders. These fibers run from the side of the neck to the shoulders. In medical language, the disease is called lumbago. In 90% of cases, it occurs after sprains and injuries.
3. Trapezius muscle. The trapezius muscle is a flat, wide muscle that runs along both sides of the spine from the neck to the shoulder blades.

Mechanisms of occurrence and causes of the disease

The cervical spine is one of the most mobile parts of the human body. It contains many muscle fibers, which increases the risk of spasms in the neck compared to other parts of the body.

Modern medicine cannot yet accurately determine the cause of the disease, but it identifies risk factors that contribute to the development of the disease:

1. Injury and mechanical damage provokes inflammation of the fibers, which gradually spreads through the tissues, causing a clamp, pain.
2. long static position(sleep in one position, uncomfortable posture on a chair or at a computer), or vice versa, sudden movements leading to pinched nerves. Under the influence of these conditions, an increased load is placed on the vertebrae, blood flow increases, which leads to spasm of blood vessels and muscles.
3. Stress shocks, anxiety.
4. Lack of vitamins (B12, D), minerals (magnesium, calcium, sodium). These substances perform important processes in muscle fibers. Thus, a lack of vitamins leads to the development of spasmophilia, and sodium to dehydration and loss of electrolyte by the body, which is necessary to ensure tissue rest.
5. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
6. Hypothermia of the body (draft, walking in windy weather in light clothing).

Half cases clips- injuries, mechanical damage. In second place are nervous tension and osteochondrosis. In stressful situations, spasm occurs sporadically, the patient's sudden movements become a catalyst.

Osteochondrosis- a disease characterized by destructive processes in the bones and cartilage of a person. One of the symptoms of the disease is muscle weakness, which increases the predisposition to spasms, clamps.

How to distinguish spasms from other ailments

Unfortunately, the muscle spasm of the collar zone cannot be distinguished from other ailments on its own. Herniated disc, pinched bone marrow, osteochondrosis and other diseases often give similar symptoms. An accurate diagnosis can only be made with the help of a specialist.

Spasms of the muscles of the neck and shoulder may be characterized by shooting pain and discomfort on the skin.

Symptoms

Manifestations of the disease can be divided into basic (which appear regardless of the cause, type of disease) and characteristic (which are inherent in a particular form of the disease)

General symptoms:

1. Shooting pain. Occurs locally or may spread down the arm to the fingertips.
2. Unpleasant sensations on the skin in the affected area: numbness, tingling.
3. Headaches in the occipital region.
4. Difficulty in moving the neck, shoulders, arms.
5. Pain that occurs when turning the head, moving the hands.

Characteristic symptoms

When the disease develops on a nervous basis one muscle group is affected. The disease is accompanied by sharp, aching pains that suddenly appear and disappear. Often the pain is provoked by sudden movements.

If the disease occurs on the background cervical osteochondrosis , then the patient will feel headaches, as well as numbness of the muscles, skin, tingling, "goosebumps".

Symptoms also vary depending on which muscle group is affected:

1. oblique muscle- there is a throbbing pain under the back of the head, a violation of the organs of the visual system, a deterioration in the blood supply to the brain, dizziness.
2. deep- accompanied by squeezing of the arteries, which leads to a deterioration in the blood circulation of the head and hands. Against this background, periodically there is "leakage", numbness, tingling of the upper limbs.
3. Muscles of the neck and shoulders. It manifests itself as a sharp and sharp, and aching, dull pain.
4. Trapezoidal- the nutrition of the brain and face is disturbed. In more than 50% of cases, it occurs against the background of osteochondrosis. Another characteristic symptom is the appearance of withers at the junction of the neck with the back.

Do not try to diagnose the cause and form of the disease yourself. The above information is intended for general familiarization, a better understanding of your condition.

Spasm diagnostics

For diagnosis, go to orthopedist, chiropractor or therapist. The visit to the doctor's office begins with the collection of an anamnesis, when the patient talks about his condition. It is important to provide accurate, complete, truthful information about the duration, nature, intensity of symptoms, as well as possible reasons development of the disease.

To diagnose the disease, you need to contact a therapist or orthopedist

This is followed by palpation, the doctor feels the affected area with his hands, may ask the patient to make any movements, and then describe the sensations.

Standard diagnostic procedure demonstrated on video

For the final diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed. The study allows you to accurately see the condition of the muscles, nearby tissues.

If there is a suspicion of the infectious nature of the disease or a lack of trace elements, laboratory blood and urine tests are taken.

Neck treatment

Based on the obtained diagnostic data, the doctor prescribes treatment. The main task of therapy is to eliminate the cause of the disease, to relieve the symptoms. Several methods used for treatment will be described below. They can be combined or used separately.

How to quickly relieve pain and spasm? Operational Methods

What to do if the illness overtook you suddenly, but you cannot go to the doctor? You can alleviate your condition at home on your own by doing one or more of the following techniques.

hot tub

Take a contrast shower or warm bath. You can add aromatic oils: lavender, coniferous aromas. These smells relax and calm the nervous system, stimulate the immune system.

Heating pad and compresses

Although it is recommended to take a hot bath, the compress requires a lower temperature. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes and wrap in a towel. Apply the compress to the place that hurts the most. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.

With spasms of the muscles of the neck and shoulders, a salt heating pad will perfectly help

After that, it is recommended to immediately make a warm compress with a heating pad. The change in temperature helps to relieve muscle spasm (as is the case with a contrast shower). Low temperatures help relieve pain and other discomfort, and high temperatures relax the muscles.

Medications

Take non-steroidal painkillers. It is prescribed in the form of tablets, topical ointments or injections. Usually these are painkillers, muscle relaxants, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Less commonly, antibiotics or other drugs may be prescribed. Which ones - depends on the causes of the disease. Below in the table we describe some of the most effective drugs.

The course of treatment with NSAIDs is carried out no longer than 5-7 days.

This item is suitable for those who have already consulted a doctor. Do not self-prescribe medications.

Try to keep track of your condition. If you sit in one position for a long time, you notice tension in cervical region- change your position, do a little exercise, stretch your neck with your hands. The most important thing is to be able to relax physically and emotionally.

Below in the video, the doctor talks about what to do to quickly get rid of the spasm.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers us a wide selection of different medicinal herbs that will help to cope with muscle spasms.

Herbs

Brew herbs, best suited: valerian, lavender, chamomile, bergamot, peppermint. If there are no herbs, drink warm tea, hot milk. Such drinks have a calming, relaxing effect on the body.

Baths

To relieve muscle tension, you can add a few drops of horseradish juice, aromatic oils (lavender, pine needles) or flavored sea salt to a warm bath.

General treatment

General methods are aimed at relieving muscle clamps, repairing damaged tissues and improving overall well-being.

Massage

A professional therapeutic massage has a good momentary relaxing effect. A tactile effect on the skin of the neck and shoulders stimulates blood flow to damaged tissues, starting recovery processes. A full course of massage sessions will strengthen muscle corset, spine, correct posture, remove muscle clamps and blocks. Besides, regular classes have a good relaxing effect on the psyche, contribute to the normalization of sleep, improve the nutrition of the tissues of the cervical region.

To relieve pain with spasms of the muscles of the neck, you can take a course of massage

This is what a neck massage looks like

Do not hire massage therapists without medical education for sessions. Seek help in city, private clinics, medical centers.

Exercises

Exercises have a similar effect to massage, the only difference is that you do them yourself. It is not recommended to perform exercises to quickly relieve spasms, because with a strong pain syndrome it is easy to harm yourself or make the wrong movements. Also, don't assign yourself gymnastic complex without prior consultation with a doctor.

What the exercises look like is shown in the video below.

Physiotherapy

For removing clamps in muscle tissue in 90% of cases, electrophoresis is prescribed. The essence of the technique lies in the fact that under the skin are introduced medicinal substances, which penetrate the tissues under the influence of current. As a rule, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are administered. The procedure helps to relax, stimulate blood flow, which is necessary to eliminate negative spasm processes.

With spasms of the muscles of the neck and shoulders, electrophoresis is often prescribed

The consequences of the lack of treatment and the impact of the disease on the body

If untreated, the disease negatively affects the human body. There is a compression of the nervous tissue, blood vessels, arteries. As a result, the mobility of the limbs is limited, the blood circulation of the brain worsens, which affects the visual system, mental activity person.

Prevention

1. Keep your body in good shape. To avoid spasms and muscle clamps, you need to give your body regular physical activity. It can be swimming, yoga, Pilates.
2. Watch your comfort. Do not sit for a long time in one position of the body, change positions. Do a light warm-up after sleep, during breaks at work.
3. Dress for the weather, avoid drafts, hypothermia.
4. Make yourself a complete diet, make sure that all the substances in the body are enough, take vitamin and mineral complexes.
5. In a timely manner, consult a doctor if you find unpleasant symptoms, conscientiously, qualitatively follow all the doctor's recommendations.

Summarize

In the article, we talked about spasm of the muscles of the neck of the shoulders, described this ailment, as well as the causes of its occurrence. A separate large section was devoted to methods of treating the disease. Do not forget that their use without the advice of a doctor can be harmful to your health. After recovery, we recommend that you follow preventive measures so that the disease does not recur. And finally, we invite you to share your experience in treating the disease in the comments, as well as ask questions of interest.

Human muscle tissue is in constant tension, because the smallest action involves the activity of thousands of muscle fibers. Normal operation muscular system requires the elasticity of its tissues, but often after excessive physical exertion, tension in the muscles remains even after its completion. In some cases, such processes go unnoticed, while in others they cause prolonged pain to a person and interfere with his ability to act. Indeed, unlike cramps, muscle spasm does not go away quickly and can even deprive a person of mobility.

Muscle spasm, causes

Experts distinguish three main causes of muscle spasm:

• Physical injuries of a different nature;
• Prolonged static muscle tension;
• Emotional surge.

All kinds of bruises and injuries are the most common cause of muscle spasm, in which muscle tension occurs in response to pain, contributing to the development of the so-called trigger syndrome. Often such a symptom is a consequence of birth trauma, since childbirth itself is an extremely traumatic process. Spasm of the neck muscles, received by a person at birth, remains with him for life and prevents proper nutrition brain.

Prolonged static muscle tension, as a rule, is due to a long stay of the human body in an uncomfortable position. Such muscle tension is common to many office workers and all those who work for a long time in sitting position. It can occur even when a person constantly carries a heavy bag on one shoulder. That is, if the muscles are in a tense state for a long time, they seem to get used to it and begin to support it. Thus, if the affected area does not relax and the person does not take action, muscle spasm in this area may disturb him constantly.

Often the cause of muscle spasm is a strong emotional stress. Therefore, it should be remembered that all kinds of negative experiences very quickly provoke this ailment. This is explained by the fact that the body regards the occurrence of a stressful situation as a state in which the mobilization of resources is necessary. So, certain hormones are released into the blood stream, the heartbeat quickens, the processes of the digestive system become more difficult, muscle tone rises. As soon as the emotional stress subsides, the body, as a rule, begins to return to its usual state. However, sometimes such relaxation does not occur, and muscle spasm due to a stressful situation becomes chronic.

Often the cause of muscle spasm is such a common disease as osteochondrosis and its various manifestations. Most often, these are herniated discs and protrusions.

Drugs that relieve muscle spasm

You need to know that muscle spasm does not occur on its own: it is the body's response to pain. Therefore, before analyzing how to relieve muscle spasm, it should be noted that its elimination also involves getting rid of pain. That is, the removal of muscle spasms consists of three important factors:

• Providing complete rest to the affected area of ​​the body;
• Elimination of pain with the help of general painkillers, as well as in some cases local effects using injections into the affected area;
• The use of pharmacological drugs that relieve muscle spasm and have a relaxing effect.

Of course, many people take analgesic painkillers to relieve pain, and use other medications to get rid of muscle spasms. But it should be noted that more often doctors prescribe combined drugs that relieve muscle spasm and pain at the same time. Such drugs are called spasmoanalgesics. Among them are the most effective:

• Trigan;
• Spazmalgon;
• Baralgin;
• No-shpa;
• Dibazol.

These drugs act directly on muscle cells, which contributes to the rapid weakening of spasm, and, consequently, pain. However, it should be said that for many diseases of the musculoskeletal system, it is better to take relaxants that more effectively relieve spasms of skeletal muscles. At the same time, before taking such drugs that relieve muscle spasm, you should consult a doctor: they usually have many side effects.

Muscle spasm, treatment

Treatment of muscle spasm, in contrast to taking the above drugs, involves not just getting rid of pain and discomfort but also their causes. Therefore, you need not only to know how to relieve muscle spasm, but also to establish a diagnosis that provoked it in order to take the necessary measures.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often equated with analgesics, although this is incorrect, since their mechanism of action on pain is completely different. The anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties of nonsteroidal drugs not only relieve pain, but also treat their cause (inflammation), unlike analgesics. That is why they have a stronger effect.

Treatment of muscle spasm with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can last as little as 1-2 days. However, it should be noted that a contraindication to the use of such drugs, in addition to individual intolerance to its components, as a rule, are various diseases. gastrointestinal tract. In the presence of diseases such as gastric or duodenal ulcers, the use of nonsteroidal drugs is strictly contraindicated.

Experts call the safest method of using such drugs using them in the form of rectal suppositories. Often a course of several days relieves muscle spasms.

Muscle spasms are a sharp contraction of a muscle fiber. Accompanied by painful sensations from muscle strain and pinched nerve fibers. Extremely excruciating pain from a spasm that compresses the nerve fiber of the sensory nerves of the spinal cord.

The human spine consists of 33-35 vertebrae that form the spinal column - the main "core" of the body. The spinal cord is located in the spine, which is responsible for the transmission of impulses from the brain, reflexes to external stimuli and control of the internal systems of the body through nervous autonomics. The spine is tightly surrounded by muscles that pull together the vertebrae, forming a dense muscle layer, preventing injury and holding the spine together.

There are two layers of back muscles - deep and superficial. The muscles of the deep layer connect the vertebrae by attaching the muscle to the transverse processes of the nearby vertebrae. transverse muscles allow a person to tilt the torso forward and backward. The surface layer is responsible for the turns and tilts of the body. Muscle tissue in the body is divided into smooth, striated and cardiac muscle.

Smooth muscle tissue is not under human control. Smooth muscles concentrated in the internal organs - the stomach, intestines, uterus, vagina, etc. The striated muscle tissue is called skeletal and surrounds the bones and organs. By contracting, the striated muscles allow you to move parts of the body in space. Skeletal is controlled by human consciousness.

• Interesting to read:

Spasm is called involuntary contractions of individual or groups of back muscles. Spasms are accompanied by pain.

The very mechanics of a spasm is the appearance of a nerve impulse, which affects the muscle with a high frequency. After excitation of muscle tissue, myosin and actin are involved in the work - the “gears” of the muscle, which compress the muscle with their work. Normally, this process leads to motor activity- muscle contraction, however, in pathologies, the contraction develops into a painful process, which is a spasm.

Causes

Spasm of the back muscles can be divided into those with an epileptic nature, and those without it. The difference in the cause of spasm - epileptic spasm occurs due to the development of a powerful induction impulse from the affected group of nerve nuclei, which convulsively contract the muscle. Non-epileptic spasms occur due to excitation of individual structures of the central nervous system, dysfunction of individual neurons, under the influence of toxic, endocrine, electrolyte and metabolic substances, and violations of some psychogenic factors.

Spasms are also divided into tonic and clonic. Tonic spasms are provoked by prolonged tension of the muscle fiber, which contracts and causes prolonged and lingering pain in the patient. The muscle will be felt on palpation, there is a feeling of tension. Clonic spasms are jerky contractions that alternate with muscle relaxation. In the common people, this phenomenon is called a spasm.

Spasms of the back muscles occur due to internal and external disturbances in the normal functioning of the body. There are the following reasons for the development of back spasm:

• Injuries;
• Diseases of the spine;
• muscle fatigue;
• Stress;
• epileptic seizures.

In most cases, spasm complicates the course of diseases. Therapy sets one of the goals to eliminate spasm, relieve pain and alleviate the condition. Removal of spasm can be complete only with the exact consequences of the instructions for antispasmodics.

Injuries

Pain will inevitably occur during damage to any human tissue due to the presence of nerve tissues and receptors there. In response to pain, muscle tension will occur - muscle tissue tends to isolate the injured area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body, thus stopping inflammation from damaged tissues. At the same time, spastic contractions develop compression of muscle fibers and blood vessels.

With prolonged spasms, pain foci and tissue hypoxia develop, which threatens with further consequences - necrosis, apoptosis and death. Trigger syndrome develops.

Also, with a vertebral injury, a complete rupture of the ligaments can occur. The vertebra falls out of its normal location. Muscles begin to pull the vertebra, there is tension and spasm.

Diseases of the spine

Spasmodic contractions inextricably accompany diseases of the spine. Such diseases include:

• Osteochondrosis;
• Intervertebral hernia;
• Scoliosis, pathological kyphosis and lordosis.

Osteochondrosis is a pathological change in the joints of the spine. When the joint expands, a pinched nerve occurs, which leads to pain. Pain causes muscle spasm, as a logical reaction of the body. Back spasm exacerbates the disease - with prolonged tonic spasm, a displacement of the vertebra occurs. This leads to scoliosis, osteoporosis of the vertebral bodies and spinal cord disorders.

A herniated disc is a tear in the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, which acts as a shock absorber between the vertebrae. The gelatinous body breaks out of its normal location and leads to pain due to the infringement of the paravertebral roots or the spinal cord itself. In this case, a spastic contraction of the affected area occurs.

• Read also:

muscle spasm in the back is in itself the cause of scoliosis - if the stability of the vertebra is disturbed, the vertebra is pulled to the side by the muscle, which is compressed due to pain in the spinal cord. Muscle spasms lead to increased scoliosis in the lower back, chest or neck. It is necessary to remove the spasm in time in order to stop the development of the disease.

Spasms in kyphosis and lordosis are of the same nature - pain from infringement of the disc, spinal cord and nerve roots cause spastic contraction muscle mass, which leads to increased deformity of the vertebra.

The process is repeated and leads to terrible consequences - the patient's body is severely deformed. A compensating curvature syndrome occurs - another part of the spine is bent to the other side, an S-shaped curvature is formed, which leads to pathological changes in the spinal cord and trunk organs. Spasms are weakened, but are permanent, especially with the development of scoliosis in adulthood.

muscle fatigue

With a long stay in an uncomfortable position, braking processes begin - tense muscles cannot relax on their own, since the nerve centers that are responsible for muscle activity cannot stop transmitting impulses. As a result, the fibers remain in a compressed state, which leads to pain.

• Perhaps you are interested in:

Stress

Stress mobilizes all the resources of the human body. Emotional stress causes an increase in the hormonal secretion of thyroid hormones and leads to an increase in tension in the centers of higher nervous activity. This leads to an increase in the development of convulsive and spastic activity of the muscle mass. Short-term stresses do not have strong consequences for the body, however, if stressors continue to act, changes in the brain and spinal cord can occur. Induction activity occurs in the vegetative nervous system which causes the muscles to contract. This includes a nervous tic, which develops with frequent nervous shocks.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a consequence of the development of a pain focus in the brain. The centers of muscular activity are damaged and, with nervous overwork, epileptic seizures occur. At the time of the seizure, random uncontrolled muscle activity begins, which causes great suffering to the patient. Often, patients with epilepsy are prescribed, in addition to antiepileptic drugs, antispasmodics, which are designed to weaken the muscles to prevent damage.

Treatment

Therapy in most cases comes down to the use of antispasmodics that help the body relieve spasm of the back muscles. Additional methods are used, such as psychotherapy and massage.

Preparations

Medication treatment involves pain relief with analgesics and muscle relaxation with antispasmodics. Before use, you need to consult a pharmacist and know the characteristics of your body. In a hospital setting, treatment consists of vitamin injections, blockades, and even surgical interventions. It will be much more effective than self-medication. Therefore, consult a doctor, especially if with a spasm you feel constant tension in the spine and pain that radiates to the limbs.

Psychotherapy and massage

Psychological methods are based on the natural relaxation of the body. Try to calm down - this will help in case of psychogenic causes of spasm. You need to sit down, relax, read a book or drink a cup of tea or warm milk, in a word - do everything possible to bring yourself into a relaxed state.

• We recommend reading:

Relaxing massage can be done on your own. Slowly, with effort, massage the damaged muscle. If the spasm occurs in the lower back or at chest level, ask loved ones to massage the affected area. Please note that you can resort to self-massage only with full confidence that there are no more serious factors that led to the spasm.

Consequences of spasms

Prolonged spasms can lead to many negative consequences- increased scoliosis, development of sciatica in the lower back, pinching of the arteries and tissue necrosis. Tonic spasms of the neck muscles can cause constant migraine, fainting due to squeezing of the arteries. Perhaps toxic contamination of tissues as a result of impaired blood outflow and active excretion of metabolites of muscle activity. This condition can lead to jaundice and toxicosis.

A sedentary lifestyle leads to osteochondrosis, scoliosis - strong changes that prevent a person from continuing an active and fulfilling life. To prevent spasms, you need to exercise physical therapy. Swimming, stretching, exercising increase muscle tone and are an excellent prevention of back diseases.

Manual therapist, traumatologist-orthopedist, ozone therapist. Influence methods: osteopathy, postisometric relaxation, intra-articular injections, soft manual technique, deep tissue massage, analgesic technique, craniotherapy, acupuncture, intra-articular administration of drugs.

What is muscle spasm? What are its causes and characteristic symptoms? Let's figure it out in this article.

In a normal state, a person should be elastic and even. However, quite often there are areas in which tension arises, persists and is maintained. Human consciousness perceives it as a muscle spasm. This also compresses the blood vessels. As a result, the energy and information exchange between tissues and those internal organs to which these vessels and fibers enter.

A spasm is a muscle contraction. At the same time, certain energy costs of the body are required to maintain it in this state. In cases where the stress area is quite extensive, these costs are very significant.

Muscle spasm is accompanied by aching, pressing or itching (increasing or decreasing) constant pain.

The main common causes of stress include osteochondrosis and its manifestations, injuries (bruises or prolonged static condition that occurs in the wrong position of the body, as well as emotional experiences.

Muscle spasm can also occur involuntarily during or after performing certain exercise. Specialists attach key importance in the likely appearance of contractions to the state of hydration of the body. Loads of great intensity are caused along with which sodium is washed out. However, some athletes take vitamin drinks during their workouts. They contain a balanced concentration of trace elements (potassium, sodium and calcium), which positively affect the functioning of nerves and muscles. If the balance is disturbed, pain may occur.

Another reason for the appearance of painful contractions is the low content of calcium in the body. In this case, there is a reduction in the intracellular fluid surrounding the nerves and muscles.

A low-carb diet is also considered one of the causes of tissue tension.

Physical exercise makes the muscles feel tired. It is accompanied by their narrowing. In this case, there is an increase in the load on the nerve and muscle spindles and a decrease in the load on the tendons. If this happens at the same time, then the process of normal relaxation-compression will be disrupted. This, in turn, can lead to spasm.

Stress is often the cause of muscle tension. At the moment of occurrence of an emotional situation, as a rule, there is a certain “mobilization” of all the internal resources of the body. At the same time, there is an increase in heart rate, a slowdown in digestion, as well as the activation of certain hormones. This reaction is necessary for the body to survive. After overcoming stress, the body should return to a normal calm state. However, under certain circumstances (with a weakened nervous system) this does not happen. Thus, the body is in constant tension, which can cause chronic muscle spasm. In addition, in the body with a constant stress state, the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases increases, there are violations in digestive system.

by the most best method prevention to prevent tension in the tissues is considered to be regular maintenance of muscle tone through exercise. At the same time, before the start of any lesson, it is necessary to prepare and strengthen them.

With a decrease in muscle mobility, the occurrence of pain, accompanied by numbness, weakness or tingling, you should immediately consult a doctor.

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

This is an involuntary and violent contraction of the muscle, without a period of relaxation of the muscle. 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 sync 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.

They 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 (about 95% of people according to some studies) 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 seizures and muscle groups that they affect.

Types of muscle cramps

True convulsions. 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.

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 (when playing sports or during 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.

Rest spasms: Seizures at rest 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.

Dehydration: Sports and other vigorous physical activity can lead to 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. Sodium deficiency has also been associated with seizures.

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 Blood Electrolytes (Calcium, Magnesium): Low blood levels of calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of nerve endings that innervate 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.

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

Tetany

With tetany, all the nerve cells in the body are activated, 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.

Sometimes, tetanic convulsions 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 muscles cannot relax for an even longer period than with 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.

Contracture can 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 spasms

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 pissing (writer's cramp), playing a musical instrument. These activities can also lead to true seizures due to muscle fatigue. Dystonic seizures are not as common as true seizures.

Other types of seizures

Some spasms are caused by a number of nervous and muscular diseases. 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.

Crumpy. This type of cramps, as a rule, describes cramps in the calf muscle, and associate their appearance with muscle strain and the presence of degenerative changes in the spine (osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, lumbar ischialgia). In addition, cramps are possible with disorders 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.

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.

Medications such as donepezil (Aricept, which is used to treat Alzheimer's disease) and neostigmine (Prostigmine, used for myasthenia gravis) and asraloxifene (Evista) used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women can be a cause of 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 convulsions 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.

Seizures are sometimes noted in dependent individuals 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. This usually happens in calf muscles Oh. But the pain in vascular disorders in such cases is not due to the muscle cramp. This pain may be more related to the accumulation of lactic acid and other chemical substances 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.

Symptoms and diagnosis of muscle cramps

Characteristically, the spasm 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.

Diagnosis of seizures usually does not present difficulties, but finding out the reasons may require both a careful collection of the medical history and instrumental and laboratory methods of examination.

Treatment

Most cramps 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. For writing spasm, pressing the hand against the wall with the fingers down will stretch the flexors of the fingers.

You can also perform a gentle massage of the muscle, which allows you to relax the spasmodic muscle. If the cramp is associated with fluid loss, as is often the case with active physical activity 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).

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

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

In cases where convulsions are severe, frequent, prolonged, difficult to treat or are not associated with an obvious cause, then in such cases both additional examination and more intensive treatment are required.

Prevention of seizures

In order to prevent the possible occurrence of seizures, a good diet with sufficient fluids and electrolytes is necessary, especially during intense physical exertion or during pregnancy.

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

Also a good remedy prevention of seizures is the intake of magnesium and calcium preparations, but caution is required in their appointment in the presence of renal failure. In the presence of hypovitaminosis, it is necessary to take vitamins of group B, vitamin D, E.

If the patient is taking diuretics, then a mandatory intake of potassium supplements is necessary.

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, which limit its appointment to all groups of patients (nausea, vomiting, headaches, heart rhythm disturbances, hearing impairment, etc.).