{"id":858,"date":"2026-03-03T14:09:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T14:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/?p=858"},"modified":"2026-03-04T14:10:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T14:10:58","slug":"why-muscle-spasms-happen-and-how-to-treat-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/why-muscle-spasms-happen-and-how-to-treat-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Muscle Spasms Happen and How to Treat Them"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p>From dehydration to overexertion, mineral deficiencies, and nerve compression, these are primary factors that can trigger a <strong>muscle spasm<\/strong>.\u00a0Fortunately, many options exist for treating muscle spasms: staying hydrated, focusing on a well-balanced diet, and taking anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants.<\/p>\n<p>It pays to understand the causes of muscle spasms and how to treat them because they&#8217;re painful and common. An article published in the National Library of Medicine notes that muscle cramps (a specific type of spasm) affects <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499895\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">50% to 60% of healthy<\/a> adults.<\/p>\n<p>If you know how these involuntary muscle contractions happen, you can take proactive steps for muscle spasm prevention, mitigation, and relief.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does a Muscle Spasm Feel Like?<\/h2>\n<p>A mild <strong>muscle spasm<\/strong>\u00a0may feel like a fluttering, but sudden, involuntary twitching. In more severe cases, it can feel like an <em><strong>intense or sharp and tight contraction<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>A spasming muscle can be\u00a0&#8220;rock-hard&#8221; or very firm to the touch. It may also feel weirdly knotted or\u00a0appear distorted.\u00a0You may even see the muscle visibly twitching, bulging, or spasming.<\/p>\n<p>As explained by a research article published in JNeurosci, muscle\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jneurosci.org\/content\/44\/1\/e1695232023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spasms last for several seconds<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0many cases. Short-lived as they are, they\u00a0can cause\u00a0the affected area to still feel sore, tender, and weak for some time after.<\/p>\n<h2>Are Muscle Spasms Serious?<\/h2>\n<p>Muscle spasms, particularly if they&#8217;re one-off or occur rarely,\u00a0are usually not\u00a0something to worry about. However, you shouldn&#8217;t ignore chronic ones, which can occur:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Multiple times within a day<\/li>\n<li>Several times a week<\/li>\n<li>For months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you experience <em><strong>chronic cramps with symptoms like poor coordination, persistent pain, and muscle weakness<\/strong><\/em>, seek professional advice. An underlying neurological issue may be causing or triggering your spasms.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Does a Muscle Spasm Happen?<\/h2>\n<p>Scientists and medical professionals have yet to completely understand and discover the exact underlying causes of muscle spasms. There are, however, common &#8220;triggers,&#8221; factors that can contribute to their occurrence.<\/p>\n<h3>Dehydration<\/h3>\n<p>Dehydration is a common condition in which the body loses more fluids (water and electrolytes) than it takes in. According to the National Council on Aging, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncoa.org\/article\/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">75% of Americans<\/a> have chronic dehydration. Dehydration also occurs in almost three in ten (28%) older adults.<\/p>\n<p>Insufficient water intake and excessive perspiration (e.g., during vigorous physical activity, especially in warm environments) are common culprits behind dehydration. Health problems can also cause it, including diarrhea or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/managing-ibs-5-types-of-medication-for-ibs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)<\/a>. IBS can cause dehydration\u00a0through frequent diarrhea.<\/p>\n<h3>Overexertion<\/h3>\n<p>Overexertion can trigger muscle spasms through various mechanisms, including fatigue-induced nervous system dysfunction. Another is through unmanaged loss of fluids and electrolytes (e.g., if you exercise &#8220;too much&#8221; and don&#8217;t drink enough to stay hydrated).<\/p>\n<p>Overexertion also <em><strong>depletes your muscles of energy, oxygen, and nutrients<\/strong><\/em>. When this happens, your muscles may become &#8220;hyperexcitable,&#8221; triggering spasms.<\/p>\n<h3>Mineral Deficiencies<\/h3>\n<p>Specific mineral\u00a0deficiencies\u00a0can be a trigger for muscle spasms because they can disrupt the delicate electrolyte balance. Such disruption can impair the muscle-contraction-relaxation cycle and proper nerve signal transmission.<\/p>\n<p>Key nutrients associated with muscle spasms are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Magnesium: Vital for relaxation<\/li>\n<li>Potassium: Necessary for muscle contraction and nerve signal regulation<\/li>\n<li>Calcium: Critical for signaling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Mineral deficiencies can\u00a0result from a poorly implemented <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/everything-to-consider-when-choosing-a-weight-loss-diet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weight loss diet plan<\/a>. Gastrointestinal issues, such as Crohn&#8217;s, and excessive nutritional losses from diarrhea and vomiting, can also be contributors to this problem.<\/p>\n<h3>Nerve Compression<\/h3>\n<p>Compression impairs the ability of nerves to transmit signals. The affected nerves may then send erroneous electrical impulses to surrounding muscles. They can make the muscles cramp, seize up, or twitch as a defensive or protective mechanism against pain.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do You Treat Muscle Spasms?<\/h2>\n<p>Considering they can cause intense pain, you\u00a0should familiarize yourself with ways to prevent spasms and achieve muscle cramp relief (if they happen).<\/p>\n<p>One of the most effective natural <strong>muscle spasm<\/strong> remedies (and prevention) is staying hydrated. Always drink before you get thirsty and consume fluids regularly throughout the day. The U.S. CDC also recommends having a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes\u00a0to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/mining\/UserFiles\/works\/products\/training\/keepingcool\/2017-126_hydration.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stay hydrated when working<\/a>\u00a0in the heat.<\/p>\n<p>Focusing on a well-balanced diet with adequate essential vitamins and nutrients can help with muscle spasms, too. They can give your muscles the nourishment they need and may help prevent mineral deficiency-related spasms.<\/p>\n<p>For persistent or severe spasms, you may have to take over-the-counter or prescription <em><strong>anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Can Stress Also Trigger Muscle Spasms?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes.<\/p>\n<p>Stress\u00a0can trigger muscle spasms by activating the body&#8217;s fight-or-flight response. When this happens, the nervous system releases an influx of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol.<\/p>\n<p>Adrenaline and cortisol help prepare the body for &#8220;danger.&#8221;\u00a0However, if\u00a0the body is always full of these hormones, it can experience chronic muscle tension, soreness, and fatigue,\u00a0all of which can trigger\u00a0spasms.<\/p>\n<h3>Will a Spasm Go Away on Its Own?<\/h3>\n<p>Some muscle spasms may go away on their own and are minor enough not to require treatment or professional medical intervention. An example is if you went on too long without water, causing you to become dehydrated for a day, triggering a spasm. Rehydrating and making it a conscious habit to stay hydrated can help keep the spasms away.<\/p>\n<p>Spasms triggered by underlying medical conditions (e.g., nerve disorder, IBS, or Crohn&#8217;s) may not go away on their own or become recurrent, though. If you&#8217;re unsure whether there&#8217;s a health problem behind your spasms or if they happen often and last for a long time,\u00a0see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<h2>Keep Muscle Spasms at Bay<\/h2>\n<p>Dehydration, overexertion, mineral deficiencies, and nerve compression are all possible triggers for a <strong>muscle spasm<\/strong>. For the same reasons, staying hydrated, knowing when to &#8220;stop&#8221; exerting effort, and focusing on a well-balanced diet can help remedy or lower your risk of experiencing these painful contractions.<\/p>\n<p>If you have an underlying medical condition that may be triggering your spasms, our online pharmacy, Kiwi, can help.<\/p>\n<p>We carry thousands of quality products from hundreds of trustworthy brands. We also use military-grade encryption to help keep your personal, sensitive, and financial information safe. The medications you&#8217;ll get from us will come only from rigorously inspected, licensed, and regulated pharmacies.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Speak with us today<\/a>, and we&#8217;ll be happy to help you get started on shopping for your medications.<\/p>\n<p><strong>REFERENCES\u00a0AND SOURCES CITED:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499895\/<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/www.jneurosci.org\/content\/44\/1\/e1695232023<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/www.ncoa.org\/article\/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important\/<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"clj3YTf2D2\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/managing-ibs-5-types-of-medication-for-ibs\/\">Managing IBS: 5 Types of Medication for IBS<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Managing IBS: 5 Types of Medication for IBS&#8221; &#8212; Kiwi Health\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/managing-ibs-5-types-of-medication-for-ibs\/embed\/#?secret=clj3YTf2D2\" data-secret=\"clj3YTf2D2\" width=\"525\" height=\"296\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"jt8vf83hNM\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/everything-to-consider-when-choosing-a-weight-loss-diet\/\">Everything to Consider When Choosing a Weight Loss Diet<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Everything to Consider When Choosing a Weight Loss Diet&#8221; &#8212; Kiwi Health\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/everything-to-consider-when-choosing-a-weight-loss-diet\/embed\/#?secret=jt8vf83hNM\" data-secret=\"jt8vf83hNM\" width=\"525\" height=\"296\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/niosh\/mining\/UserFiles\/works\/products\/training\/keepingcool\/2017-126_hydration.pdf<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/contact\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span> From dehydration to overexertion, mineral deficiencies, and nerve compression, these are primary factors that can trigger a muscle spasm.\u00a0Fortunately, many options exist for treating muscle spasms: staying hydrated, focusing on a well-balanced diet, and taking anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants. It pays to understand the causes of muscle spasms and how to treat them because they&#8217;re &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwidrug.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/why-muscle-spasms-happen-and-how-to-treat-them\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Why Muscle Spasms Happen and How to Treat Them&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":865,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why a Muscle Spasm Happens and How to Treat It<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out what causes a muscle spasm and how to find relief. 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