If your muscles are in spasm, you don’t have to resort to drugs or shots to numb the area. There are several natural muscle spasm treatment options available – both at home and at your local chiropractic clinic.
Muscle spasm treatment will depend on the cause and whether it is a one-time occurrence or a chronic problem.
The Dallas Wellness Center chiropractors will begin a diagnosis with a brief history and physical exam to understand the circumstances surrounding the muscle spasms, when they began, how long they usually last, how often they occur and what types of activities seem to make them worse.
1. Stop What You’re Doing
When a muscle spasm starts, stop what you’re doing and gently massage the area that’s hurting. Rubbing the area relaxes the muscle and is one of the most effective forms of muscle spasm treatment.
2. Rest & ICE
Resting the problem area is another effective form of muscle spasm treatment, but do not completely eliminate all movement. Short walks or stretches can help to prevent stiffness. Also apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes ON and 60 minutes OFF then repeat!
3. Gently Stretch
Stretching can be very helpful. Stretching pulls your muscles in the opposite direction of the contraction that happens during a muscle spasm. Try to gently lengthen the affected muscle.
However, this muscle spasm treatment shouldn’t hurt. If you feel pain, stop. Hold each of your stretches for about 30 seconds.
4. See Your Dallas Wellness Center Chiropractors
As experts in the mechanical function of the spine and joints, Dallas Wellness Center chiropractors Dr. James Kirkpatrick and Dr. Ryan A. Stewart specialize in muscle spasm treatment.
Dr. James Kirkpatrick and Dr. Ryan A. Stewart specialize in the mechanical functions of the body. This includes the way muscles, ligaments and bones work together to help your body bend and move as it was intended.
When joints become locked up or fixated, they don’t bend and move as you bend and move. This causes inflammation in the ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves surrounding that joint.
Through a thorough case history and examination your chiropractor will be able to determine the true cause of your muscle spasms and prescribe a treatment plan to fix the underlying problem.
5. Perform Light Exercises
Particularly if you are experiencing back spasms, light, soft muscle spasm treatment exercises may help. However you should only do exercises when the pain has lessened or the cramping is minimal.
Do not do them if your muscle spasm is severe or very painful.
If any of these exercises makes the spasm worse, stop.
• Slowly and carefully, walk around your room as you lift your knees higher than normal. Remember to keep your back straight.
• Raise both of your arms over your head. Repeat 10 times, holding them up there for 5 seconds. You may do this muscle spasm treatment exercise 3-4 times per day.
• Lie on the floor and pull one of your knees gently to your chest. Hold it for 10 seconds and then switch sides. Repeat each leg 5-10 times, and do this 2-3 times a day.