What Causes Muscle Spasms?

There are a wide range of contributing factors that can lead to muscle spasms.

Potential contributing factors of muscle spasms include but are not limited to:

• Poor Posture
• Dehydration
• Neck/Low Back Issues/Injuries
• Lack of Sleep
• Tight muscles
• Stress
• Micronutrient Imbalance
  • Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium

Often, there are a combination of factors causing muscle spasms. More significant health conditions may also contribute to muscle spasms and needs to be diagnosed appropriately in order to ensure good patient outcomes. However, most causes are manageable with lifestyle changes and manual therapies offered here at CSMC, as one of the most common causes of muscle spasms comes from joint restriction, muscle tightness and micronutrient imbalance.

When a joint is irritated or not moving properly, the muscles may spasm in order to protect the joint from further irritation or damage. Think of this as an internal brace. Sometimes this helps prevent you from damaging the joint further, other times it simply contributes to pain or may even increase pressure in the joint, creating a vicious cycle.

Our doctors work hard to determine these factors and come up with individualized treatment plans to reduce your pain as quickly as possible. Reducing these factors also helps to decrease the risk of future flare-ups or additional problems from developing.

How are Muscle Spasms Diagnosed?

At CSMC, your first visit will start with a consultation and physical exam in order to determine which tissue/structure is causing your pain, how severe the condition is, what is causing the problem, and any contributing factors that may increase your symptoms.

This involves discussing your symptoms, when they are at their worst, the impact it is having on your life and putting together a set of treatment goals you would like to accomplish (examples: picking up kids or sleeping without pain). It is important to bring any previous medical notes or images for the doctor to review and take into consideration for your case.

Next, a physical exam will be performed, physical exams typically consist of:

• Neurological Evaluation
• Orthopedic Testing
• Postural Assessment
• Chiropractic Evaluation
• Functional Assessment
• Range of Motion Measurements
• Referral to Imaging/Advanced Diagnostic Testing (When Necessary)
• Radiographic Biomechanical Analysis (When Necessary)

These tests may aggravate your symptoms, so let your doctor know what you are feeling.

For imaging and additional testing, CSMC coordinates referrals to specialty radiologists as needed.

What Treatments are Available for Muscle Spasms?

CSMC takes a customized, comprehensive approach to care for all types of musculoskeletal pain. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to address your muscle spasms:

• Various Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques
  • Based on Preference/Condition
• Physiotherapy
• Ergonomic Training
• Supplement Options
• Massage Therapy
• Postural Correction
• Dietary/Lifestyle Recommendations

These therapies may be recommended individually or together to relieve your pain, improve your range of motion, strengthen your neck, improve posture and/or stabilize your condition depending on your needs.

For more severe/complicated cases, our doctors may decide to co-manage with another specialist to get a second opinion or additional treatments, such as medications, injections or surgery (last resort). In these cases, our doctors will communicate with all specialists involved to ensure all your doctors are on the same page, while providing therapies to help speed up your recovery process when appropriate.

You can find the help you need at CSMC. Book your appointment today.