Muscle Spasms

See alo : Muscle Cramps

Causes

• Poor blood circulation in the legs
• Overexertion of the calf muscles while exercising
• Insufficient stretching before exercise
• Exercising in the heat
• Muscle fatigue
• Dehydration
• Magnesium and/or Potassium deficiency
• Calcium deficiency in pregnant women
• Malfunctioning nerves, which could be caused by a problem such as a spinal cord injury or pinched nerve in the neck or back
• as a side effect of some drugs.

Home remedies

• Eat more foods high in vitamins and magnesium and calcium.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Cramp Bark is an herbal remedy that may be helpful in treating your muscle spams. According to the Botanical website, cramp bark, also known as Viburnam opulus, is a shrub native to North America that grows to a maximum height of 10 feet. Cramp bark, a member of the honeysuckle family, possesses an astringent and aromatic taste and drying tendencies. The bark of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including muscle spasms. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that cramp bark is an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory that restores balance in voluntary and involuntary muscle spasms. Cramp bark is particularly effective at relieving skeletal muscle spasms, notes Tilgner. Before taking cramp bark to help treat your muscle spasms, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
• Valerian is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your muscle spasms. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a plant native to Europe and Asia that has been used medicinally for centuries. Valerian possesses a sweet and spicy taste and has slightly warming tendencies. The root of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," valerian is an antispasmodic, sedative, relaxing nervine and hypotensive. Valerian, notes Smith, helps relieves muscle spasms, cramps and mild nerve pain. Valerian is also used to help reduce stress, anxiety, nervousness, agitation and irritability. Before taking valerian to help treat your muscle spasms, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
• Petitgrain : The Essential Oil of Petitgrain, being anti-spasmodic in nature, induces relaxation in the tissues, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, thereby helping to cure spasms.
• Arnica is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your muscle spasms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, arnica, also known as Arnica montana, is a perennial plant that has been used topically for centuries by Europeans and Native Americans to help treat numerous musculoskeletal problems, including muscle aches and spasms, inflammation and flesh wounds. Arnica, a member of the aster family, has a light and flowery taste. The fresh whole plant or the flower heads are used medicinally. Tilgner states that arnica is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and topical counter-irritant that may be used internally or externally to treat ligament sprains, muscle strains and spasms, bruises, joint pain and sore muscles. Before taking arnica to help treat your muscle spasms, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
• Khella works antispasmodic and helps smooth muscle relaxing.
• Vinegar : Another natural remedy is to make use of vinegar. Add several cups of vinegar to a hot bath to soak away cramps, spasms, and tension. In addition, a compress of apple cider vinegar applied to the area of the troubled muscle can help relieve the symptoms. Vinegar can also be combined with honey to use to help relieve muscle problems. Combine equal amounts of each to make a drink. It is thought that this remedy also works for arthritis by distributing calcium deposits throughout the bloodstream, which relieves muscle cramps.
• If the cramps are induced by vigorous exercise, it helps to take a long, hot bath immediately after the activity. In addition, taking a cold bath while moving the muscles that tend to cramp will help as well. This should be done directly before going to bed. This seems to help with sports related cramps that afflict athletes during the night.
• Oil from both German and Roman chamomile can be used as a remedy for cramps. It can be added to tea to be taken internally. It can also be used as a massage oil to help bring relief. Fennel oil can also be used to massage away aches and pains. Do not use either of these oils if you are pregnant.
• Chi Shao : Peony contains a unique compound called paeoniflorin, which is believed to calm the nerves and reduce the incidence of muscle spasms.
• Make a salve or diluted tincture of Calendula to relieve muscle spasms, sprains, or pulled muscles. Add a bit of Garden Thyme to your bath to soak in to relieve cramps. This works best if the bath is very warm. Peppermint tea brings a welcome relief from muscle spasms and cramps. Do not use these herbs if you are pregnant.
• tea : To make an herbal tea to help relieve the pain of cramps, combine equal parts of Silverweed, Balm leaves and Chamomile flowers. Steep 1 teaspoon in half a cup of boiling water. Take 1 to 2 cupfuls per day. This can be sweetened with honey if desired. Do not use if you are pregnant or have low thyroid activity.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.