Intermittent spasms can be troublesome and uncomfortable health issues. They occur when muscles contract involuntarily and can cause various degrees of discomfort.

There are several health issues that could cause these spasms, and it’s essential to understand them to get proper treatment. In this article, we will discuss the common conditions that can cause intermittent spasms.

What are spasms?

Spasms are involuntary muscle contractions that cause sudden and intense pain. They happen when a muscle group or single muscle droops and flexes abnormally. Involuntary muscle contractions are caused by signals sent from the brain via the nervous system.

There are many reasons why this can occur, and it’s essential to diagnose the underlying condition to provide appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of intermittent spasms?

Intermittent spasms can occur due to different reasons, including:.

Dehydration

Dehydration can cause your body to lose valuable electrolytes, leading to muscle contractions and spasms. Electrolytes like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium help regulate muscle contractions.

With low levels of these nutrients in the body, it’s easy for muscles to contract involuntarily.

Electrolyte imbalance

An imbalance in electrolytes can cause muscle spasms. Electrolyte imbalance can occur when minerals in the blood get too high or too low.

This can happen due to drinking too much water or having kidney problems that affect hormone levels that regulate electrolyte balance.

Physical activities

Physical activities that exert too much stress on the muscles can cause spasms. Poor stretching before an activity, exercising for extended periods, or doing workouts you’re not used to can cause muscles to contract involuntarily.

Stress

Stress can cause muscle tension, leading to spasms. When under stress, the body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can lead to muscle tension and spasm.

Neurological conditions

Intermittent spasms can be a symptom of different neurological conditions that affect the nervous system, such as:.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a progressive condition that affects the central nervous system. It causes the immune system to attack the protective coverings of nerves, leading to muscle weakness, spasms, and other symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic and degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes dopamine levels to drop, leading to muscle rigidity, tremors, and involuntary muscle contractions.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS is a rare but severe and progressive condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It causes motor neurons to degenerate, leading to muscle weakness, stiffness, and involuntary contractions.

Cervical dystonia

Cervical dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that affects muscles in the neck and shoulders, leading to involuntary neck movements and spasms.

Dystonia

Dystonia is a neurological condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions and spasms. It can affect any part of the body, leading to abnormal postures and jerky movements.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and hormonal imbalances, leading to muscle spasms. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause muscle tension and spasm.

Treatment for intermittent spasms

Depending on the underlying cause, there are various treatments that can help control intermittent spasms. These include:.

Stretching

Stretching can help ease tension in the muscles and reduce spasms. It’s essential to stretch before engaging in any physical activity to prevent spasms.

Hydration and electrolyte replacement

If dehydration or electrolyte imbalance is the underlying cause of spasms, rehydration and replacement of electrolytes can help alleviate muscle spasms.

Prescription medication

If you have neurological conditions that cause intermittent spasms, your doctor may prescribe medication to manage symptoms. These medications include muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, and corticosteroids.

Surgery

In severe cases where periodic spasms are caused by nerve damage or chronic muscle tightness, surgical procedures can be offered. Surgery for spasms is most often considered when medication and therapeutic options are no longer helpful.

Conclusion

Intermittent spasms can be caused by various underlying conditions, and it’s essential to diagnose the underlying condition to provide the appropriate treatment.

If you experience frequent spasms, it’s essential to speak to a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and begin treatment.