What is causing my muscle spasms?

You will find a list of more common causes of severe muscle spasms below. It is important to rule them out from least consuming to most, unless your symptoms are very extreme. For example, starting with electrolyte replenishment and ending with a trip to the neurologist.

Leg Cramps and Muscle Spasms are different, but often confused as the same thing.

If you are experiencing cramps (Charley Horses), watch the video below.

 

Muscle spasms occur for various reasons and can range from mild discomfort to more severe cases that lead to immobility. Some of the potential causes of muscle spasms that could lead to immobility include:

  • Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Lack of proper hydration and imbalances in essential electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium can lead to muscle cramps and spasms. Severe imbalances can result in more intense and prolonged spasms that may affect movement. Great options for electrolyte replenishment are products like G2 and other gatorade products, and coconut water. Eating more vegetables is always a great idea. Water alone will not provide you with the electrolytes you need. 
  • Overuse or Fatigue: Excessive physical activity, especially if muscles are not conditioned or properly rested, can lead to muscle fatigue and spasms. In some cases, this can progress to a point where the muscle becomes so fatigued that it contracts and causes immobility. Sometimes these factors include years as a desk jockey at work, working on computers. Sometimes it repetitive stress from being a musician for decades. 
  • Muscle Strain or Injury: Muscle strains or injuries can cause spasms as a protective mechanism. The muscle may contract to prevent further damage or movement that could exacerbate the injury. This contraction can sometimes lead to a level of immobility. For a non-invasive, cause correcting approach, seeing a chiropractor is your best first bet. 
  • Neurological Conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as dystonia or certain types of epilepsy, can cause involuntary muscle contractions and spasms that might result in immobility during an episode. Dystonia is positively affected by drug/surgery free chiropractic care. 
  • Muscle Disorders: Conditions like muscle dystrophy or myotonia congenita can lead to abnormal muscle activity, including prolonged spasms that could potentially lead to immobility. Dr. Lou has testing tools at the office, like “Surface EMG” that will tell you about the vulnerability and activity in the muscles of your back, often revealing issues that you can’t feel as they are building toward a “meltdown.” The sEMG testing at Dr. Lou’s is preventive medicine and diagnostics at their best!
  • Spinal Cord Issues: Problems with the spinal cord, such as herniated discs or nerve compression, can disrupt the normal signaling between the brain and muscles, leading to spasms and potential immobility.
  • Medication Side Effects: Many medications, particularly those that affect the neuromuscular system, can cause muscle spasms and related immobility as a side effect.

It’s important to note that if you or someone else experiences severe, worrisome, muscle spasms to the point of immobility, it is advisable to seek attention. A healthcare professional who regularly deals with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, like a chiropractor or orthopedist can properly diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.

Dr. Lou Jacobs has been a chiropractor and acupuncturist for the community of Cumberland County and Portland, Maine for over 20 years. He specializes in working with families, pregnant moms, and musicians and performers. Some of his musician clients have included Gary Clark Jr., The Pixies, Mumford & Sons, Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, and Trey Anastasio of Phish. Some of the amazing moms Dr. Lou has worked with have been Courtney, Chelsea, Lucy, Rachael, Quinn, and Mathilde. Dr. Lou is also available for online remote consulting when musicians live outside of Maine and the United States.