Chiropractic and Muscle Spasm

Chiropractic and Muscle Spasm

Remember that time you bent down to pick up a pencil/pen, and your back twisted out of place. Instant pain as muscles went into spasm. The pain can be so intense that you can barely move. 

Could something as simple as picking up a pencil/pen cause such pain?

The answer is that it isn’t what you did. It’s what you didn’t do. The everyday act of bending down to pick up an object did not cause this chain of events to occur. These overextended muscles were already strained. Due to repetitive movements during our everyday activities and habits like swinging a hammer, heavy lifting or poor posture from sitting in front of a computer all day. Can cause muscles to become strained, stiff and go into spasm. They go into spasm is to protect the joint involved from further harm.

Usually muscles have become strained over a period of time. Then all it takes is a sudden movement like reaching down for a pencil and the already strained muscle goes into spasm. Muscle spasm or cramping is an involuntary, sudden, severe muscle contraction. This contraction can cut off blood supply which can cause even more pain and cause the muscle to contract even further. Spasms can last from a few seconds or can immobilize a patient on the floor for hours because the muscle won’t relax with movement. It all depends on the cause of the spasm.

If it is due to fatigue, dehydration or an electrolyte deficiency. Spasms can last seconds to several minutes. If it is caused by a protective mechanism to avoid further nerve irritation. Pain and Spasms can last for days or even weeks depending on the amount of joint irritation or disc involvement. Warning signs consist of stiffness and tenderness. Patients have reported feeling the need to stretch or rub muscles regularly due to stiffness and tenderness. There is usually an underlying cause to these symptoms that should be dealt with before escalating.

The good news is that Chiropractic care can treat most types of cramping and muscle spasms. Chiropractic can also help in prevent Muscle spasms from occurring in the first place. Proper nerve innervation is essential for proper muscle function. Regular Chiropractic adjustments locate and correct areas of the spine where there is nerve dysfunction.

In addition to Chiropractic care try the following that will aid in the healing process.

-Massage therapy assist in alleviating pain.

-Increase your intake of magnesium, calcium and water.

-Apply an ice/heat combo that will help with inflammation and increase blood supply.

Dr. Elton Clemence D.C.

Dr. Elton Clemence practices at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson drive in Red Deer. Call us today to book an appointment (403)347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca