Muscles spasms, or sudden involuntary contractions of muscles, are a common, painful ailment. Spasms occur as the body’s reaction to sudden trauma, as during a vehicular of athletic accident, or repetitive trauma, as occurs when people remain in an uncomfortable position for too long, exercise without warming up, carry unusually heavy loads, or work physically hard in extreme heat. Muscle spasms are the body’s way of protecting an injured joint by preventing further movement. Chiropractic care, which focuses on spinal and joint manipulation, as well as stretching and massage, can be very helpful in relaxing the affected muscles and relieving the intense pain of muscle spasms.
request an appointmentIntegrative Medicine Care for Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms typically occur in the large muscles of the limbs or back. Integrative medicine treatment, which focuses on proper alignment of vertebrae and joints, has the effect of increasing the flow of oxygen, blood and nutrients to the affected area. Often, muscle spasms occur when a muscle is exhausted and depleted of necessary fluid, as during dehydration when electrolyte imbalance also occurs. By decompressing nerves in the spine, and in other joints and discs, muscles are relaxed and rehydrated, and pain subsides.
In addition to adjusting the spinal column and joints, integrative medical care for muscle spasms may include one or more of the following:
- Ice or heat therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Deep muscle massage
- Trigger point therapy
- Applied kinesiology
These non-invasive treatments may be used to further relax muscle tension, speed healing, and promote a general sense of well-being.
Advantages of Integrative Medicine Care
While allopathic medical care usually treats muscle spasms with medication, integrative medical care with its holistic, hands-on approach, offers several advantages, including rapid symptom relief and the absence of side effects or rebound effects often associated with analgesics or anti-inflammatories.
