Spasms
What does a spasm mean?
A spasm is a sudden involuntary and forcible contraction of the muscle. Spasm is known as muscle cramps or muscular spasm. Spasms are very common. A part or all of the muscle, or several muscles can be affected. A spasm may be caused by abnormal stimulation of nerve or any abnormal activity of the muscle itself. Thigh, calves, hands, arms, abdomen or sometimes muscles along the rib cage are the most commonly involved muscles. Spasmism is a term used when a permanent spasm or a series of spasm occurs at a time. A spasm in calves is called Charley horses. Colic is a subtype of spasm; it occurs when smooth muscles of intestine in the abdomen are involved.
What does it feel like?
An episode of spasm may vary from being mild to intense. It can range from a single twitch lasting for a few seconds to some minutes or a bout of severe intolerable pain of a longer duration. The episodes may be recurring in nature. A strong muscular spasm may tear the tendon and ligament if it is greater than the tensile strength of muscles and underlying connective tissues. The muscle under spasm becomes firm on touch or distorted, a visible twitching.
Who is prone to get spasms?
There is no fixed time or fixed age for a spasm to occur. Mostly both extremes of age are affected, infants and elderly above the age of 65. People who are sick and those who undergo strenuous activity like athletes are at greater risk of muscular spasms. Mostly, elderly people complain of a neck spasm or a painful back spasm. These spasms occur due to arthritic changes in the body. Obese people are prone to muscle cramps in neck and back due to increased levels of stress to their core muscles.
What are the causes of spasms?
- Weak fatigue muscles
- Improper stretching of unfamiliar exercise
- Repeating activity too quickly, not giving a proper resting time for muscles to relax.
- Exercising in extreme temperatures.
- Dehydration.
- Electrolyte imbalances.
What are the treatments for spasm?
- A sooth massage and a gentle stretch before starting any exercise.
- Holding the muscle in a stretched position until the spasm stops.
- Use cold application for sore and tender muscle and hot applications for tight and tense muscle.
- How to prevent future spasms?
- Stay hydrated.
- Retain the muscular flexibility by proper stretching.
- Stop doing whatever activity triggers the spasms.
What are the homeopathic treatments for spasm?
Topi MP Gel of Schwabe India is one the easiest ways to relax a muscle or group of muscle under spasm. This gel can be applied to sore tender muscles after repeated activity. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in soothing out and relaxing fatigued muscles. This gel has no side effects, relieves pain quickly and gently. It is one of the best homeopathic gels that can be used in cases with stiffness and lameness in neck and back pain. This medication is very simple to use. It can be applied 2-3 times daily to the thin skin of the affected area. The method of application is by gently rubbing or massaging it to the affected part. It can be applied to the neck or back to ease the stiff or twitching muscle in people of a sedentary lifestyle. Any contact with a skin break or open wound should be avoided.
Composition: The following ingredients of Topi MP Gel are homeopathic medicines which are widely used individually as anti-inflammatory, hyperaemic and as pain relieving medications. The combination is effective to treat any muscular spams, painful swelling in joints, sciatic pains, and rheumatic complaints.
- Symphytum officinale Ø 10% w/w
- Rhus toxicodendron 2x 10% w/w
- Ledum palustre 5% w/w