Muscle cramps can be painful. They can even interrupt your life. Chiropractic treatment can help minimize the severity and frequency of muscle cramps.

What Are Muscle Cramps?

You need to first understand what a muscle cramp is if you are looking for a solution to it. A muscle cramp is a sudden, involuntary and forceful contraction of the muscle. This type of contraction is common in the lower leg. It can also affect someone anywhere in the body, including the shoulder, neck and lower back. Additionally, it often affects people at night time.

There is also the shorter version of muscle cramp, which is known as a muscle spasm. Muscle spasms can last for seconds through a few minutes. Often, it will feel like a jolt or a spike in pain. This is accompanied by a feeling of tightening in the muscle.

Causes Of Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can happen to anyone. They are defined by an involuntary and sudden contraction of the muscle. This can sometimes be severe. Many people do not understand what causes them, but they frequently see a chiropractor about their cramps. This is after they have tried fixing them with rest, stretching and water– which does not always work out.

Knowing what causes cramps will help you take measures to reduce the chance of getting them. One of the causes of muscle cramps is spinal misalignment. Spinal misalignment is also known as subluxation. It is often at the center of very painful muscle cramping. It can cause nerve dysfunction or tightness that may lead to the frequent occurrence of muscle cramps.

Some of the other frequent causes of muscle cramps may include improper stretching, nerve malfunction or irritation, mineral or vitamin deficiency, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and muscle fatigue.

The time and season at which a patient is exercising could also be the cause of muscle cramps. Seasons like summer with excessive heat periods can increase the likelihood of cramping. 

Furthermore, certain medications can cause muscle cramping and spasm(s). You should therefore ensure that you properly check the side effects of your medications before using them.

Symptoms Of Muscle Cramps

Your muscles will contract suddenly when you have muscle cramps. This is usually involuntary and they may not release quickly. In most cases, you will notice extreme discomfort, pain and tightness in the impacted muscle(s). 

Muscle cramps can also happen in any muscle of the body. However, cramping is often seen in the muscles of the back, foot, thigh and calf. Generally, muscle cramps are usually brief. They go away on their own. However, you should visit a chiropractor when the muscle spasms or cramps last for a long time.

Chiropractic Treatment For Muscle Cramps

massage therapy For Muscle Cramps

A regular adjustment during chiropractic treatment will go a long way in helping you avoid muscle tightness that can lead to spasms. It includes a hands-on adjustment that will help in realigning your body. This helps in taking pressure off soft tissues and nerves. Hence, the nerve signal that may be causing the pain is reduced.

Furthermore, your chiropractor may suggest that you undergo massage therapy. This should help relax the muscles in your body that are prone to spasms. Moreover, massage helps reduce inflammation.

Additionally, a chiropractor may offer nutritional advice. The right food intake should help put an end to chronic spasms. You may have an electrolyte imbalance when you are dehydrated. It causes cramping. Making some changes to your diet and drinking more water can help restore more balance. It can also help minimize the number of cramps you experience.

Chiropractic treatment through manual manipulation can also help treat muscle cramps. Chiropractors can locate spinal misalignment(s). With chiropractic adjustments, the misaligned spine can be gently restored to its proper position. The spine at its proper position will improve muscle tone, movement and blood flow. 

Experiencing frequent muscle cramps is not normal. You may have an underlying problem if you do. Any hidden issue must be found and addressed. The discomfort and pain of muscle cramps are something you do not have to live with; Chiropractic treatment can provide a permanent solution for this issue.

Prevention Of Muscle Cramps

Chiropractic Treatment for prevention of muscle cramps

As already stated, a solution to muscle cramps is chiropractic treatment. However, prevention is best, right? 

If you intend to use any muscle of your body for an extended period, ensure that you stretch before doing so. You should also do some stretches if you tend to have muscle cramps at night. Activities like riding a bicycle a few minutes before bedtime can help; This can help prevent muscle cramps when you sleep.

Also, it’s healthy to drink plenty of water every day. However, the amount of your water intake depends on your level of activity, medications, age, the weather and what you eat. You keep your muscle cells hydrated when you take in water. Doing so at regular intervals will help prevent the occurrence of muscle cramps.

In addition to these tips, some other tips may include reducing your intake of alcohol, avoiding overexertion during routine activities and replenishing your body’s electrolytes after a workout.

Although it may not be possible to completely cure muscle cramps, prevention methods will at least reduce the chance of their occurrence.

Conclusion

A proven solution to muscle cramps is chiropractic treatment. You should immediately see a chiropractor when you first become aware of the issue. They can help speed up your muscle cramp treatment. They will also give you prevention tips that will reduce the chance of you having pain related to muscle cramps. 

Got chronic cramps or spasms? Schedule an appointment at Champion Wellness Centers of Valrico, FL, by calling 813-409-3304.