Muscle cramps are also called muscle spasms. They are involuntary contractions of muscles, anywhere in the body, lasting from seconds to minutes. Severe cramps can even last for days. Sometimes, muscle spasms can occur after an injury and cause pain. Patients often report feeling tightness in the muscles when they come in for treatment for muscle cramps. Muscle cramps can also feel like knots, which can be very painful, and can occur weeks after an injury has happened. Runners, swimmers, and other athletes are especially prone to muscle cramps, although they can affect anybody. In some cases, they occur while sleeping. The most common places where cramps can affect the muscles are the hamstrings, calves, quadriceps, lower back, feet, arms, and hands.

If you suffer from chronic muscle cramps, Dr. Nathen Horst offers chiropractic treatment at Horst Chiropractic in Temecula.

What Are the Causes of Muscle Cramps?

There are a number of factors that lead to cramping of the muscles. Some of these include muscle fatigue and not stretching the muscles sufficiently enough. It can also be caused by dehydration or an imbalance of electrolytes. Sometimes, muscle cramps are caused by nerve irritation. The duration of muscle cramps will depend on these triggering factors. Overexerting in intense heat, excess sweating (causing a draining of electrolytes from the body), not exercising adequately or not exercising at all, and even certain diuretic drugs can cause muscle cramping. When there is a loss of magnesium, potassium, and sodium in the body, muscle often occur.

How Can You Prevent Muscle Cramps?

Patients having regular muscle cramps can prevent this from happening to a great extent by incorporating certain simple changes in diet and lifestyle. Including foods that are rich in potassium, such as fish, bananas, and avocados has been shown to be helpful in preventing muscle cramps. Avoiding products rich in sodium also helps. Patients are also encouraged to start exercising; if they are already exercising, they should include strengthening exercises into their routine, and start with stretching exercises first.

How Can Muscle Cramps Be Treated Conservatively?

Conservative treatment of muscle cramps focuses on stretching in a gradual and gentle manner. In addition, patients should hydrate well; this includes drinking plenty of water, in addition to sports drinks or coconut water when exercising. Massage and moving around may also help. Applying ice packs, if the cramps are a result of any injury, helps alleviate their discomfort.

How Do Chiropractic Treatments Help Muscle Cramps?

Chiropractic treatments offer a holistic approach to the treatment of muscle cramps. Some of the approaches used to treat muscle cramps include manipulation of the joints, gentle stretching of the muscles, and massage. The alignment of the spine is an effective method of treating the underlying causes of muscle cramps. By improving and correcting the alignment of the spine, blood flow to all the muscles and tissue of the body is increased and enhanced, which contributes greatly to the relaxation of the muscles, helping them to get replenished with the essential nutrients that they need.

For more information, contact Horst Chiropractic today.