Overview
Muscle spasms are involuntary cramping movements of the muscles that are caused by overuse, illnesses and muscle fatigue. Conditions such as alcoholism and pregnancy can contribute to muscle spasms, which usually can be treated at home with exercise, rest and topical treatments. Occasionally medication is required to alleviate the spasms.
Step 1
Stretch the area where the spasm occurs. Pull lightly on the muscles, whether it's in the back, legs or arms. Do not bounce as bouncing can make muscles snap and create even more pain. Hold the stretch for about 20 to 30 seconds and slowly release. Repeat as needed.
Step 2
Get injections at the site of the spasm with botulinum toxins (botox). Botulinum is a protein that blocks messages from the nerves to the muscles at the site of the condition. Doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians say that botox has been used successfully to treat muscle spasms for years and poses no risks of poisoning because it is given in such small doses.
Step 3
Apply a heating pad to the affected area for about 20 to 30 minutes. The heat can help to relax the muscle enough so that it will stop its involuntary movements. At other times, ice may be needed instead to treat the spasm. Alternate between heat and ice for maximum pain relief and to stop the spasms.
Step 4
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to calm the muscles and relieve pain. Drugs such as acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen often are strong enough to overcome the muscle spasm.
Step 5
See a trained massage therapist to get a massage. Therapeutic massage involves manipulating the soft tissues in the body to improve circulation and relax tense, spastic muscles. Massage can help to lessen the pain that often accompanies the inflammation caused by muscle spasms.
Muscle spasms are involuntary cramping movements of the muscles that are caused by overuse, illnesses and muscle fatigue. Conditions such as alcoholism and pregnancy can contribute to muscle spasms, which usually can be treated at home with exercise, rest and topical treatments. Occasionally medication is required to alleviate the spasms.
Step 1
Stretch the area where the spasm occurs. Pull lightly on the muscles, whether it's in the back, legs or arms. Do not bounce as bouncing can make muscles snap and create even more pain. Hold the stretch for about 20 to 30 seconds and slowly release. Repeat as needed.
Step 2
Get injections at the site of the spasm with botulinum toxins (botox). Botulinum is a protein that blocks messages from the nerves to the muscles at the site of the condition. Doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians say that botox has been used successfully to treat muscle spasms for years and poses no risks of poisoning because it is given in such small doses.
Step 3
Apply a heating pad to the affected area for about 20 to 30 minutes. The heat can help to relax the muscle enough so that it will stop its involuntary movements. At other times, ice may be needed instead to treat the spasm. Alternate between heat and ice for maximum pain relief and to stop the spasms.
Step 4
Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to calm the muscles and relieve pain. Drugs such as acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen often are strong enough to overcome the muscle spasm.
Step 5
See a trained massage therapist to get a massage. Therapeutic massage involves manipulating the soft tissues in the body to improve circulation and relax tense, spastic muscles. Massage can help to lessen the pain that often accompanies the inflammation caused by muscle spasms.
