Chiropractic for Muscle Spasms
A muscle spasm, or muscle cramp, is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. This can be annoying and when severe quite painful. Muscle spasms occur suddenly causing your muscle to shorten. Muscles are complex structures that allow movement in the human body. Skeletal muscles move external body parts, like the arms and legs, and the neck, back and trunk. Muscle spasms are most common in the neck, legs (hamstrings, quadriceps), arms and back. They are caused from from 1) mineral imbalance such as dehydration; 2) inflammation that occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn; or 3) a protective mechanism of the spine to stabilize a severely damaged structure, like after a whiplash. Good detective work by the doctor finds the cause and leads to correcting the problem.
Most episodes of acute lower back pain are caused by damage to the muscles and/or ligaments in the low back. The most common cause is (misalignment of the spinal column) when the vertebrae is putting pressure directly on the spinal nerves. This can cause inflammation leading to severe low back pain making it difficult to move. Lower back pain due to muscle strain occurs most frequently after lifting a heavy object, lifting while twisting, or a sudden movement or fall injury. This is a localized pain that doesn’t radiate to the leg and may be sore to the touch. You may feel better when resting because the muscle hurts.
If this low back pain persists the muscles may start to weaken. Since using the muscle causes discomfort, people tend to avoid using them. This process can lead to muscular atrophy and subsequent weakening causing you more pain. Your muscles are less able to help hold up the spine. Specific Chiropractic adjustments is effective treatment for muscle spasms commonly triggered by a joint pinching in the spine. We provide treatment options depending on your injury and level of pain. Both Dr. Petrie and Dr. Kellerman practice healthy chiropractic care, combining multiple methods of chiropractic techniques. Our primary technique focuses on correcting the cause of your pain.
Dr. Michael Petrie, D.C.
Spine and Joint Center
