Muscle spasms or cramps are a relatively common problem that usually occurs in our leg muscles. They can last from a few seconds up to 15 minutes. Unfortunately, if these happen often, they may impact your daily life and activities. The condition may also worsen over time and become widespread and chronic.
At Arista Wellness Clinic, we provide effective pain management services for your back, spine, heel, knees, and legs. Visit our clinic in Katy today to book your appointment for a free consultation with our pain management physicians.
While muscle cramps are unpredictable and involuntary, there are plenty of treatment techniques you can try to manage the pain until you can visit a doctor.
While these tips may not help you prevent the cramp from happening, they are sure to help.
Stretching:
Stretching the area you’re experiencing a muscle spasm in can help eliminate the strain and reduce pain. You can stretch using a foam roller, resistance bands, exercise ball, towel, tennis ball, or just your body. These items will help relieve the pain faster, and allow you to stretch your body at any time, anywhere.
Massage:
If stretching doesn’t work, you can massage the area to eliminate physical pain. Use firm strokes to rub the affected muscle. You can also try pinching the skin and holding it for a few minutes to relieve a persisting back spasm.
Apply Ice Or Heat:
Ice packs and heating pads are essentials for pain management. Muscle cramps can be successfully treated with heat or ice therapy.
Use an ice pack on a muscle that’s in spasm for around 15 to 20 minutes. Do this multiple times a day for best results. If you don’t have an ice pack, a pack of frozen peas or ice wrapped in a thin cloth will work just as well.
A few days after the muscle cramps, use heat therapy. Apply a heating pad for 20 minutes on the said area, and follow it up with an ice pack.
The ice pack helps prevent inflammation caused by the heat, while the heat brings in blood to the affected area. If you don’t have a heating pad, you can take a warm bath or a hot shower. You can also use a heat lamp to ease the muscles.
Other Treatments:
If you are experiencing spasms in your back, you can also visit a chiropractor for physical therapy. Physical therapists use specific exercises and treatments to target muscles and provide relief from muscle spasms.
Visit Arista Wellness Center today to talk to a licensed pain therapist.
