Are muscle cramps literally cramping your style – and your day? Put a stop to them with the help of Dr. Pete Lazarnick in Carrollton and West GA.
What Are Muscle Cramps and What Causes Them?
Muscle cramps are involuntary and often sudden muscle contractions or spasms. They can occur throughout the body. However, most people experience them in areas like the back, legs, hands, stomach, and feet.
Muscle cramps or spasms come from various causes, including the following:
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Lack of stretching
- Overuse
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Poor posture
- Nerve damage or compression
- Inflammation of nerves or muscles
Cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to several weeks. When they are due to dehydration, fatigue, or overuse, they’ll usually stop after you drink fluids, rest, and apply ice or heat. If they don’t clear up quickly or they are due to another cause, a visit to Dr. Pete is in order.
Chiropractic Treatment for Muscle Cramps in Carrollton and West GA
Your chiropractic treatment plan will depend on the cause of your cramps, but the following are some common techniques that can help.
- Adjustments and decompression: When your cramps are caused by nerve or muscle compression, the only way to stop them is to relieve the compression. This is typically done by manipulating or decompressing the spine. These methods can also help with posture correction and inflammation.
- Therapeutic exercises: Many cramps are due to tension and overuse. Therapeutic exercises are designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles.
- Massage therapy: If tension, inflammation, or an injury is causing your cramps, massage therapy is beneficial. Through this soft tissue manipulation, tension is relieved. Blood and nutrients are encouraged to flow to the area, which can promote healing.
- Daily recommendations: You’ll also typically receive recommendations for things you can do at home or work to relieve your cramps. This can include nutritional supplements to address any deficiencies, daily stretches and exercises to keep muscles loosened and strong, and actions you can take if a cramp appears.
Each of these treatments can provide incredible benefits, but your plan will be personalized for you. This means that if other treatments are better suited to your needs, those will be used as well or instead of those listed here.
Muscle cramps are like an unwanted house guest. It’s time to send them packing by scheduling a visit with Dr. Pete in Carrollton and West GA by calling (770) 832-2226.