Spasm

As a cramp, muscle cramp or spasm unwanted strong muscle contraction is referred to, which may be associated with very great pain. One of the most common causes of sports typical muscle cramps is magnesium deficiency. The cause of muscle cramps at rest, however, is usually a lack of calcium in the blood.

Causes

Cramps can have many causes. These include mineral deficiencies (eg, magnesium or calcium), metabolic disorders (eg diabetes mellitus) or lack of blood flow. However, drug side effects, overuse of muscles or orthopedic causes (eg foot deformity ) is the cause of painful muscle cramps can be. The ordinary muscle cramp occurs, however, often occur without any apparent cause.

A normal concentration of magnesium to potassium transport back to the cell, which is important for the termination of the action potential and the termination of the influx of calcium ions into the sarcomere. Magnesium is a physiological calcium channel blocker, which reduces the release of calcium into the interior of muscle cell. In the absence of magnesium, this can therefore lead to continuous, painful muscle contraction. Total Magnesium has a depressant effect on the neuromuscular system. It reduces the electrical excitability of the neuron and reduces the nerve. Accordingly, a low plasma magnesium concentration lowers the threshold of nerve and increases the nerve.

As usually benign and many people known phenomenon can occur muscle cramps after overexertion individual muscle groups and for electrolyte disturbances. Often, nocturnal leg cramps, formerly also called write spasms of the hand muscles. They can often be relieved by relaxation exercises or intake of magnesium. It may be better absorbed magnesium in a citrate compound from the body.

Some also have a deficiency of sodium chloride (table salt) is the cause of cramps. Sodium chloride is secreted increased by the sweat during exercise. A balance is necessary as an electrolyte deficiency against the extracellular space shrinks the nerve cells.

Likewise, a lack of potassium can ( for example, by excessive sweating ) contribute to the development of convulsions. As an important electrolyte, it is for the control of muscle activity of significance ( potassium deficiency, see hypokalemia).

There the hypothesis of a neuromuscular origin to the formation of muscle cramps is represented by numerous medical alternative. Sporadic nocturnal muscle spasms example, apparently triggered by motor neurons. In certain cases, also could be the aspect of fatigue (local or central) play a very crucial role. Both the exact causes of muscle spasm as well as the resulting pain is not completely understood.

After an investigation of the cause of muscle spasm, 2004 in athletes could not, as in the literature suggested a lack of electrolytes are, but occur on the floor of a neuronal dysfunction in the target muscle muscle spindles and the Golgiorganen.

Treatment

To solve the acute spasm initially to the full range of motion of the joint, through which runs the muscle that are exhausted, so that the muscle can shorten considerably. This prevents the re- release of the tendon reflex. Then tighten the antagonist because it inhibits the spasmodic muscle via a recurrent neuron in the spinal cord. That is the example of the hamstring muscles ( biceps femori ): hip stretch, bend knees passive; if a little better, knee stretch resistant. But even a massage of the affected muscle often helps against the pain as well as a contrast shower with hot and cold water. For the treatment of painful muscle contractions are electrolyte-containing beverages and magnesium preparations are available. Optionally, for muscle spasms and quinine ( pharmaceutically prepared as quinine sulfate ) can be used. Quinine sulfate is one of the peripheral muscle relaxants and is suitable both for treatment and for prevention. The daily dose for treatment of seizures should not exceed 200-400 mg.

Seizure types

Other seizure types are the so-called epileptic seizures. Follow in quick succession cramps like a seizure are also called convulsions. Typical of epilepsy and are described therein.

Long-lasting spasms, also called tonic spasms, are occasionally observed in lockjaw, the tonic Fazialiskrampf, the torticollis and in hysteria.

Most severely painful spasms of the smooth muscles of hollow organs such as the gall bladder, bowel, or bladder are called colic. In connection with blood vessels, bronchi, and the larynx is also called spasms, such as vasospasm, bronchospasm or laryngospasm.