Spasms are sudden involuntary contractions of a muscle or a group of muscles or hollow organs, mostly accompanied by a burst of pain. It is usually caused by overuse and muscle fatigue, dehydration  and electrolyte abnormalities. The spasm occurs abruptly, usually very painful, and is short-lived. It may be relieved by gently stretching the muscle. Though extremely painful, they resolve by themselves, if recur and fail to resolve then medical attention should be sought.

 

In certain hallow organs; the smooth muscles in the walls go into spasms causing significant pain which should not be neglected. The pain might be colicky, as in the pain comes and goes off, the most common causes being pain associated with menstrual cramps, diarrhea, gallbladder pain, and passing a kidney stone.

 

The management includes prevention, which holds a high place. As a part of it keeping well hydrated is the best medicine, this doesn’t mean filling up with water but also loading in essential minerals, and also giving adequate rest to the muscles. Medications usually prescribed are painkillers and followed by physiotherapy or slow mobilization. In advanced cases, Botox injections to paralyze the affected muscle and relieve the spasm.

--Koya Satyasri