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Muscle Spasm

Muscle spasms are usually the result of overexertion, fatigue, or pain, but sometimes they can indicate a neurological condition. At Aloha Health Center, the practice of Ross Ali, DC, patients of all ages can get relief from the underlying causes of muscle spasms. Dr. Ali offers trigger-point and deep-tissue therapies to help alleviate muscles in spasm. Call the office in San Jose, California, to schedule an appointment or book online today.

408-559-0771  |  Book Online


Muscle Spasm Q & A

What is a muscle spasm?

Muscle cramps, or spasms, occur when a particular muscle in your body involuntarily contracts and can’t relax. Muscle spasms are common in:

  • Calves (charley horse)
  • Thighs
  • Feet
  • Hands and arms
  • Abs
  • Ribcage

This sudden, forceful contraction of a muscle often causes severe pain and is sometimes enough to wake you out of a deep sleep. Muscles spasms can affect anyone at any age, but infants, adults over 65 years old, and endurance athletes have a greater risk of getting them.

What causes muscle spasms?

Several contributing factors can lead to muscle spasms, including:

  • Not stretching enough before a physical activity
  • Dehydration
  • Exercising in hot temperatures
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Electrolyte imbalances of potassium, magnesium, or calcium
  • Inadequate blood supply to your muscles during exercise
  • Nerve compression in your spine

Additionally, pregnancy and certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or a nerve disorder, may contribute to the onset of a muscle spasm.

When should I see a doctor for muscle spasms?

While most muscle cramps are harmless and go away on their own, if you have severe spasms that happen frequently or you also experience muscle weakness, they could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Dr. Ali expertly diagnoses the causes of your muscle spasms so he can treat them accordingly.

He often recommends deep-tissue massage, trigger-point therapy, and stretching exercises to alleviate chronic muscle spasms. You may also need to drink more fluids, stretch more before exercising, or address any electrolyte and mineral imbalances.

What is trigger-point therapy?

A trigger point refers to the tender points found within the taut bands of a painful muscle. Trigger-point therapy focuses on detecting and releasing the trigger points within a muscle so you get relief from pain. Massage therapy and chiropractic care often provide relief from painful trigger points within a muscle.

Trigger-point therapy may also help relieve chronic pain conditions including:

  • Headaches
  • Lower-back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Sports injuries
  • Osteoarthritis

If you regularly experience muscle spasms, or they’re severe enough to cause debilitating pain, Dr. Ali can help. He may recommend a customized treatment plan that includes trigger-point therapy, deep-tissue massage, and chiropractic adjustments to help stretch tight muscles and provide pain relief.

Book a consultation online today, or call the office to schedule the next available appointment.


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Office Hours - Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:30 am-1:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

3:00 PM-6:00 PM

Thursday:

10:30 am-12:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 AM-1:00 PM

3:00 PM-6:00 PM

Saturday:

By Appointment

Sunday:

Closed