Post Birthday Research: Muscle Spasms

So to continue my birthday weekend celebrations what could be better than some research!!!!

What is a muscle spasm?
-Cramp or involuntary contraction of a muscle.
-Occur suddenly, usually resolve quickly, and are painful.
-Confused with a muscle twitch, which is uncontrolled fine movement of a small segment of a larger muscle that can be seen under the skin.


Causes?
-Many causes can be found, depends on the previous factors one undergoes, and areas involved.
-Occur when a muscle is overused or tired, particularly if it's held in the same position for a long period of time.
-The muscle cell runs out of energy and fluid and becomes hyperexcitable and develops a large contraction. This could include part of a muscle, the whole muscle, or even adjacent muscles.
-Overuse as a cause of muscle spasms is common, often seen in athletes doing strenuous activity in a hot environment.
-Spasms seen in construction workers are also common, which occurs when a large muscle is being over worked.
-Dehydration and a depletion of electrolytes has been said to be a leading cause in muscle spasms.
-Leg spasms are related to exercise, but cramps at night involving toe and calf muscles. Nocturnal leg cramps are often seen as a sign of sleep disturbance.
-Systematic diseases such as anemia, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and other hormone issues are potential causes of muscle spasms.

Symptoms
-Depend on the muscle involved, and circumstances leading up to the spasm.
-Bulging muscle may be seen or felt underneath the skin where the muscle is located.
-The spasm resolves itself within seconds, but could continue on for minutes at a time.
-Momentary repetitive contraction of muscle fibers in a localized area.


Treatment
-Keep well hydrated.
-Muscles should be prepared for activity, warm-up, stretch, etc.
-Short-term pain relief, anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen), narcotics, muscle relexants.

http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_spasms/page5.htm