Muscle spasms are extremely common despite many self-care
techniques and medications. They consist of muscle contraction controlled by
the autonomic nervous system. Usually, they are caused by inflammation that
occurs when the muscle is overstretched.
Muscle spasms normally occur at the skeletal body muscles
such as the forearm and the calf. They also tend to occur at the smooth muscles
within the digestive tract. Treatment of these spasms depends on its major
cause and the muscles involved.
Treating Muscle Spasms
Eat foods rich in magnesium.
Maintaining your body's
magnesium level is one way in which muscle spasms can be controlled and
treated. Magnesium is among the essential minerals in the body that affect
muscle functioning. Very low levels of magnesium may cause muscle cramps,
spasms, pain and twitching. Using magnesium supplements is an easy way of
adding the mineral to your body. It is also a good idea to eat foods rich in
magnesium such as pumpkin, soya beans, green leafy vegetables, bran and whole
cereals.
Drink plenty of water.
Drinking an average of eight to ten
glasses of water daily is recommended for treating the disorder. Water is
useful in maintaining proper functionality of the organs by removing toxins
from the blood. It also keeps the skin moist.
Maintaining potassium level in the body is another effective
treatment.
Low magnesium in the body negatively impacts the level of potassium.
When the level of potassium in your body declines, you may feel weak and
fatigued. Additionally, the muscles may begin to twitch and cramp. Eating foods
rich in potassium is therefore essential. Examples of such food include
bananas, figs, raisins, vegetables, beans, cereals, seeds, apricots, wheat germ
and bran.
Exercise daily to avoid having muscle spasms.
Regular
workouts can prevent inflammation and pain by increasing blood flow around the
affected area. Simple walking can help in reducing the level of muscle
imbalance. Additionally, yoga or simple stretching will assist in aligning the
spine, keeping the blood flowing and muscles supple.
