Muscle spasms how long

Firm massage may be uncomfortable, but should not be painful. If you feel a pulse on the area you are massaging, do not apply pressure. Both heat and ice can relieve the pain of a muscle spasm. Both treatments can reduce inflammation and ease muscle tension. Alternating hot and cold packs can be particularly helpful. Try applying a hot and then cold pad for 20 minutes at a time, with a minute break in between.

A hot water bottle and an ice pack should be effective. Do not apply very hot or cold packs to the skin. Instead, wrap them in a towel or cloth before pressing them against the back. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, will not offer instant relief, but they can help slow the spasm within 30—60 minutes. A doctor can prescribe muscle relaxants when people have extreme spasms that are visible and prominent. People should only use muscle relaxants for up to 72 hours.

Dehydration can cause muscle spasms, or make existing spasms worse. Continue drinking water, or consider switching to an electrolyte drink. Many people use foam rollers to loosen muscle tension or tightness after exercise.

They may also help to relieve muscle spasms in the back. Foam rollers are available to purchase in fitness stores or online. Stretching reduces muscle tension and can stop muscle spasms. Many people experiencing sudden spasms are reluctant to move, but simply getting up and walking may help.

Muscle spasms can be contained to just within the muscle, or they can be powerful enough that they involve the skeletal system too. For example, if a muscle in your back spasms, you can injure your spine too. No matter how large or how small they are, muscle spasms can be quite painful and even when they go away, may leave soreness or injury behind. Muscle spasms can even occur internally, such as with an overactive bladder, which can involve the muscles of the bladder spasming spontaneously and causing leakage.

There are many different things that can cause a muscle spasm. Most of these causes are not serious, although they may require some action on your part to prevent them from happening again and to correct any injury or pain that resulted. Some of the factors that may lead to a muscle spasm include:. Pseudoephedrine Sudafed , albuterol usually found in inhalers for people with asthma , and the stimulant Adderall can all cause muscle spasms.

Stress and fatigue. Overuse of a muscle. Anything from strenuous exercise, to holding a position for a long time, or even performing manual labor can over-exert your muscles and lead to a spasm. Electrolyte imbalances. People may also call it a charley horse or a muscle cramp or twitch. These movements can happen in any muscle of the body, and they are very common. Muscle spasms often occur as a result of stress, exercise, or dehydration. They are usually not a cause for concern.

Muscle spasms are very common. They can happen in any part of the body, but they tend to affect the:. Muscle pain, fatigue, and overuse are the most common causes of muscle spasms.

Other causes include stress or anxiety, which can lead to muscle twitches in the face. Trapped nerves can result in spasms in the back.

Athletes who either do not warm up before they exercise or exercise in very hot conditions may also experience muscle spasms. Drinking insufficient water before exercise can also cause muscle spasms. People who have certain health conditions, such as nerve disorders or thyroid-related problems, also tend to experience a higher-than-average frequency of muscle spasms. Muscle spasms are not usually anything to worry about, but in some cases, they can be a sign of an underlying neurological health condition.

Neurological health conditions affect the brain, which is responsible for making the muscles move. Not all muscle spasms are painful, but some can cause pain. It can feel as though the muscle is jumping or moving on its own, with this feeling typically lasting just a few seconds. Some people might even be able to see the muscle twitching. Most muscle cramps develop in the leg muscles, particularly in the calf.

Besides the sudden, sharp pain, you might also feel or see a hard lump of muscle tissue beneath your skin. Muscle cramps usually disappear on their own and are rarely serious enough to require medical care.

However, see your doctor if your cramps:. Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp.

In many cases, however, the cause isn't known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as:.