Muscle Spasms - What are they?

Ever wonder what is going on when a muscle starts to spasm?  What brought the muscle to this point and how could we have avoided it?  These are questions we need to understand in order to avoid such injury in the future.  Each and everyone of us at some time or another has taken our body and it's ability for granted.  We know what we want to accomplish with our mind and we then set our muscles into motion to complete the task, however there are times that our muscles are not prepared or able to carry out what our mind has in store. 

It is when we overload or overstress our muscles that causes the muscle to be overstretched or torn.  A muscle spasm results from the inflammation that occurs when these very muscles are torn.  When we strain a muscle the pain is usually localized and the area may be sore to the touch. 

When this occurs it is best to rest for a day or two and apply ice therapy or heat therapy to the area to help alleviate the pain. It is important to have good blood supply to the area in order to bring necessary nutrients and proteins for the healing to take place.  Always use ice at first to treat the inflammation then you can use heat.

Now how can we avoid this injury in the first place?  It is generally known that people who are active and fit are much less likely to suffer from muscle strains.  As we age, it is important to maintain a level of fitness with regular exercise and stretching.  A muscle that is toned and stretched is less likely to strain, tear or spasm.

Don't give up on your favorite activities, just prepare for them!