A cramp is a sudden, involuntary, often painful contraction of a muscle. This happens to everyone from time to time: at night during sleep, during physical activity, and sometimes at rest. Spasm can occur in any part of the body - in the limbs, in the side, in the buttock, in the abdomen.
Often people have no idea why their muscles cramp. However, it is very important to find out the reasons for this, because a seizure can be both a physiological norm and a symptom of a serious disease. Let's look at this in detail.
Why do muscles cramp?
The reasons can be divided into two groups. The first includes those that do not have any underlying diseases. So, if the calf or gluteal muscles cramp in a dream, there is no physiological pathology in this. The seizure in this case is a parasomnia, that is, a phenomenon associated with sleep. Spasms that occur during increased physical activity also do not indicate an abnormality.
In other cases, such discomfort may be caused by:
- neurological disorders;
- compaction of muscle fibers against the background of physical inactivity;
- metabolic disorders;
- micronutrient deficiency;
- dehydration;
- poisoning (including cramps from a hangover).
There is also a disease called hypoparathyroidism. It is characterized by a convulsive syndrome that immediately affects muscle groups. This condition is caused by hypofunction of the parathyroid glands.
Pathologies of the hematopoietic system
Pain and aches in the area of the bones of the pelvic girdle, chest, spine, and limbs are often provoked by pathological processes in the hematopoietic system. In this case, the cause of pain is damage to the red bone marrow. We can identify the main pathologies that are characterized by bone pain.
- Multiple myeloma. A malignant pathology, when it develops, the bones of the spinal column, pelvis, and chest ache excruciatingly. Bone fragility and the incidence of vertebral compression fractures increase. Nerve structures are pinched.
- Acute leukemia. A characteristic symptom of this pathology is aching pain in the bones. In addition, there is a deterioration in the general condition, low-grade fever, enlargement of the lymph nodes and spleen.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia. In this case, joints and bones ache, but this is also combined with exacerbation of infectious pathologies, hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen).
Types of seizures
If involuntary contraction of muscle fibers is caused by overexcitation of the cortical part of the brain, such convulsions are classified as epileptic. Non-epileptic ones are provoked by diseases of the central nervous system, imbalance of nutrients, and unfavorable external conditions.
Also, involuntary muscle contractions can be classified according to their nature:
- tonic – long-term, turning into a state of tension;
- myoclonic – short;
- clonic - jerky, cyclically repeating and alternating with relaxation.
Based on localization, these phenomena are divided into generalized and local. The former cover a significant part of the body (arms, legs, face, neck, side, torso, and sometimes extend to the respiratory tract). The latter occur in separate areas (for example, only in the back or only in the buttock).
Causes of seizures in different parts of the body
Muscle spasm in a specific area of the body is caused by specific factors. Most often it occurs in the legs. The culprits may be overexertion (including due to intense training), varicose veins and hypothermia.
It can cramp not only the calf muscle, but also the femoral and even gluteal muscles. Sometimes the unpleasant sensation will spread throughout the entire leg.
Abdominal cramps are also common because most abdominal organs are composed of highly contractile smooth muscle cells. Most often, the organs of the digestive system spasm. This is how the well-known abdominal pain occurs. In women, contractions of the uterus (during menstruation, pregnancy or gynecological diseases) cannot be ruled out.
Muscle spasms in the back indicate diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This could be osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, degenerative changes in the spine.
Traumatic injuries
In case of injury to bone structures, acute pain is provoked, the severity of which is determined by the severity of the injury. In case of a bruise, the pain is not so intense, but in case of a fracture, it is difficult to bear without analgesics. In addition to pain, the following symptoms are possible with injuries:
- restriction of mobility of the affected area;
- puffiness and swelling;
- hematoma formation;
- bleeding in case of open injuries.
The most common traumatic injuries are to the extremities. In addition, traumatic brain injuries are also possible. They are characterized by such signs as:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- pathologies of consciousness;
- dizziness;
- pain syndrome.
In case of rib fractures, pain in the area of the bone structures of the chest should be noted. If injury is suspected, immobilize the affected area and call emergency services. Before the team arrives, the victim should be given analgesics to reduce the severity of pain.
Who usually experiences muscle cramps?
This trouble is familiar to everyone: men and women, children and the elderly, athletes and office workers. Only some people get to know her for natural reasons and rarely encounter her, while for others she becomes a frequent companion.
The risk group includes:
- children under 3 years of age who have experienced a rise in temperature above 38 degrees;
- elderly people suffering from vascular diseases and muscle atrophy;
- men engaged in heavy physical labor;
- athletes (football players, swimmers, runners);
- people who abuse alcohol and often experience hangovers;
Predisposes to muscle spasms and pregnancy. In mild cases, they are caused by a lack of vitamins due to changes in the body; in severe cases, they are caused by eclampsia.
Why do muscles cramp in pregnant women?
Carrying a child leads to significant changes in the body. In particular, metabolism is rebuilt. As a result, many expectant mothers are faced with magnesium deficiency, which is why cramps appear.
Pregnant women's legs are subject to greater stress due to weight gain. Hence the involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the evenings and at night. They can also be triggered by varicose veins, which often accompany hormonal changes.
Pregnant women often complain about back pain. The lumbar spine is under constant tension, forced to bend under the pressure of the uterus, so such sensations are normal. Therefore, expectant mothers are recommended to lie on their side to relieve the load on the spine.
Diagnostic methods
If the muscles cramp regularly and the person experiences severe pain, it is necessary to consult a doctor. You should also be concerned if this symptom does not have a clear cause (it is not associated with training or staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time).
A common reason why people put off seeing a doctor is not knowing who can help with the problem. It’s better to start with a therapist, and he will give you a referral to a specialist:
- neurologist;
- gastroenterologist;
- phlebologist;
- gynecologist;
- endocrinologist.
After the initial examination, collecting complaints and receiving test results, the doctor will tell you what additional diagnostic methods will be needed. If your stomach cramps, you will be referred for an ultrasound, your back for an X-ray, your neck or calf muscles for a Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels.
Oncological diseases
Not in all cases, oncological pathologies cause pain. This symptom is characteristic of such tumor processes as histiocytoma and fibrosarcoma. In the first stages of tumor development, pain and aches in the joints and bones may occur during intensive work and at night. Further, the pain syndrome can develop to such an extent that the usual functioning of the affected part of the body becomes difficult. The fragility of bone tissue increases, and bone deformation is possible. In addition, manifestations such as:
- weakness;
- deterioration in general health;
- weight loss;
- increase in temperature to subfebrile level.
Signs of the pathological process in the case of metastasis develop in a similar way. It is also possible to record those manifestations that are provoked by the underlying oncological process.
Quite often, pain in the bones and joints is provoked by medications that are used to treat tumor diseases. This is why chemotherapy in almost all cases causes pain in the bone tissue.
What treatment is possible
If diseases of the internal organs are identified that cause muscle cramps, then treatment of the underlying disease will eliminate the accompanying symptoms. Depending on the location, this may include medication, massage, or physical therapy.
Uncontrolled use of anticonvulsants is unacceptable. They are prescribed to patients with epilepsy. If a person sometimes experiences cramps in the gluteal muscle or neck, you should not abuse such medications.
First aid also depends on the location of the spasm. If it occurs in the leg (from the buttock to the foot), you need to rub the muscles, restore blood circulation in them, and warm them up. The back should be kept at rest. But with a belly it’s better not to take risks and call a doctor right away, especially for women who know about their pregnancy.
How to get rid of joint pain urgently?
Pills.
Photo: Bloack / Depositphotos Analgesics can quickly overcome pain: you should not tolerate pain under any circumstances if you do not want it to turn from acute to chronic. This metamorphosis can happen very quickly - in 3-4 weeks, so getting rid of joint pain should be an immediate priority. The joint starts to hurt as soon as you put stress on it. Therefore, in case of pain, half an hour before any physical activity, you should take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with a good analgesic effect.
If joint pain intensifies at night, in addition, before going to bed, the doctor will recommend taking metamizole sodium, as well as drotaverine with nicotinic acid to improve local blood circulation.
Local therapy
NSAIDs have a dangerous side effect - they can cause damage to the gastric mucosa, even leading to the formation of ulcers, so they try to use them topically, as part of various ointments and gels with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They are usually rubbed into the skin over the affected joint twice a day. Special patches with magnetic powder, which are glued to a joint or area of the spine, also relieve pain.
What to do if a muscle is severely cramped
It is not always possible to easily endure such an attack by limiting yourself to rubbing the affected area. The pain can be unbearable. It can be removed with a sharp impulse.
For cramps due to a hangover, the patient should be placed in a horizontal position and the legs should be raised to reduce blood flow to the extremities. At the same time, it is important to make sure that we are not talking about an epileptic attack (they are not uncommon in alcohol intoxication).
In older people, involuntary muscle contractions are often a warning sign of stroke. Convulsions may give way to paralysis. Timely treatment is important here, so it is better to call an ambulance immediately.
Infectious and inflammatory pathologies
One of the most common diseases is osteomyelitis. It is characterized by a purulent inflammatory process of the bone marrow and bone. At the same time, it is very strong:
- aches bones;
- temperature rises;
- the function of the affected area is impaired;
- health deteriorates sharply.
Swelling and hyperemia localized at the site of the lesion should also be noted. When the condition is neglected, a fistula tract is formed, from which purulent contents are released.
In acute respiratory infections, the virus enters the blood and multiplies in all tissues and organs. This provokes the sensation of aching joints and bones. When the cause is eliminated, this symptom goes away.
Prevention
The best prevention of involuntary muscle contractions is moderate physical activity. Regular exercise helps keep your muscles under control. The tissues will not suffer from physical inactivity or sudden overload. This is equally beneficial for both men and women at any age.
A set of exercises to prevent cramps always includes stretching. It is useful to do it before bed so that unpleasant symptoms do not occur at rest.
Since muscles often cramp due to hypovitaminosis and lack of microelements, it is important to eat a balanced diet. If you cannot get them in sufficient quantities from food, you should additionally take vitamins B and E, as well as magnesium, calcium and potassium supplements. It is also important to drink enough fluids, because similar discomfort occurs due to dehydration.
The effect of testosterone and estrogen on bone and cartilage tissue
Age-related deficiency of sex hormones serves as a trigger for the development of a dangerous bone disease - osteoporosis. Bone tissue becomes less dense, more loose, and the risk of fractures increases. Women are more susceptible to the disease. In their body, the level of testosterone is initially 25 times lower than in men. And with the onset of menopause, this figure decreases even more, reaching critical levels.
