Muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of the muscle group. It is a forcible uncontrollable contraction. When a muscle is in a continued state of contraction, local circulatory and metabolic changes occur in response causing prolonged contraction of a muscle. The most common sites for muscle contraction are the back, calves, thighs, feet, hands, abdomen, and arms. Altered circulatory and metabolic rate results in muscle- pain. Muscle contraction is self –perpetuating not depending on the presence or absence of irritability due to the primary cause.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MUSCLE SPASM?

Though the actual cause of muscle spasm is unknown one of the following can be the reasons for it:

·         Deep pain

·         Muscle fatigue

·         Muscle soreness/strains

·         Electrolyte imbalance

·         Dehydration

·         Viral infection e.g. cold

·         Prolonged period of immobilization

·         Emotional tension

·         Direct trauma to the muscle.

·         Sitting for a prolonged time

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MUSCLE SPASM?

Muscle spasm makes daily life and activities uncomfortable, painful, and difficult. A frequent spasm can make the day to day life difficult because of limited mobility,

·         Pain

·         Swelling

·         Decreased range of motion

·         Palpable hard band

·         Strong jerk while sleep (Sometimes extremely strong spasm may cause a jerk, while you are asleep)

·         Clonus (If there are repeated jerks e.g. when floor taps repeatedly on the floor)