Muscle cramps
Dr. Wendy/Hayden Health | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 6 months AGO
Almost everyone has experienced that sudden, sharp pain that comes with a muscle cramp. Whether it was during a physical activity like jogging or swimming, or while you are sleeping, 95 percent of people will at some time experience it.
A muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. If the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a cramp. Cramps and spasms can affect any muscle; however, they are most common in calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. Cramps in the feet, hands, arms, and lower back occur frequently, as well.
Muscle cramps have many possible causes. Possible factors include inadequate stretching, muscle fatigue, low level of fitness, overexertion, and stress. Dehydration, excess sweating, or use of certain diuretic medications can also cause a depletion of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) that can cause spasms.
To ease the pain and speed the recovery from a muscle cramp, try gentle, gradual stretching and massage. Ice packs can help when the cramp is a result of an injury. More chronic spasms respond well to moist heat used for 20 minutes several times per day.
The best way to deal with muscle cramps is to prevent them. Consider these changes:
• Improve your diet by eliminating sugar and increasing fiber and protein. Add foods rich in calcium and magnesium (leafy green veggies, yogurt, legumes, Brazil nuts) and high in potassium (bananas, avocados, lima beans, fish).
• Warm up before you exercise, and stretch before and after exercise, focusing on the muscle groups that tend to cramp.
• Avoid dehydration. Consume plenty of water, and foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid excess sodium and soda, as they can leach calcium.
• Avoid chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, which can interfere with magnesium absorption.
• Improve your posture.
• Address underlying health problems, if the cramping is associated with a specific condition.
See your chiropractor if your cramps are severe, happen frequently, respond poorly to simple treatments, or are not related to obvious causes (strenuous exercise). These could indicate a possible problem with circulation, nerves, metabolism, hormones, medications, or nutrition.
For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.
ARTICLES BY DR. WENDY/HAYDEN HEALTH
Chiropractic and arthritis
Arthritis is basically defined as swelling in the joint. At this point, over one hundred different types of arthritis have been identified. Primary arthritis is defined as arthritis without an identified cause, while other forms of arthritis are secondary to a disease or other condition.
Headaches and holistic care
Headaches are incredibly common and affect nearly 45 million Americans each year. That's about one in every six people. Unfortunately, most people turn to medication for temporary pain relief. Studies have shown that pain medication can cause adverse effects and kidney or liver. Worse yet, they don't even correct the underlying cause of the headache.
Acupuncture for hot flashes
The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture has been used to treat physical, mental, and emotional conditions - from headaches to asthma - for thousands of years. New research has been released indicating it may help with menopause-induced hot flashes.