What makes you have muscle spasms

Reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What causes your muscles to twitch? Let your doctor know if: you have a twitch that doesn't go away you notice weakness, tingling, or numbness in the area where you get muscle twitches it looks like the muscle is getting smaller Getting enough sleep, avoiding too much caffeine, and eating healthy foods like lots of fruits and vegetables , can help prevent some muscle twitches.

There are many different things that can cause a muscle spasm. Most of these causes are not serious, although they may require some action on your part to prevent them from happening again and to correct any injury or pain that resulted. Some of the factors that may lead to a muscle spasm include:. Pseudoephedrine Sudafed , albuterol usually found in inhalers for people with asthma , and the stimulant Adderall can all cause muscle spasms.

Stress and fatigue. Overuse of a muscle. Anything from strenuous exercise, to holding a position for a long time, or even performing manual labor can over-exert your muscles and lead to a spasm. Electrolyte imbalances. Along with the right amount of electrolytes, your muscles need adequate hydration to work properly. Improper body mechanics. Pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnancy can lead to muscle cramping, especially in the legs, and after giving birth, a weakened core may make you more prone to back spasms as you do things like lift, bend, and twist.

Underlying physical problems. Spinal conditions, such as degenerative disc disease , spinal stenosis , or a herniated disc can all lead a muscle spasm in your back. Rarely, muscle spasms can be the result of a more serious neurological condition. In those cases, however, the muscle spasms that accompany a serious disorder are often repetitive, larger-scale, and accompanied by other serious muscular symptoms, such as weakness, trouble walking, or numbness and tingling.

Dehydration is the excessive loss of fluids in the body. Low levels of any of the following minerals that contribute to healthy muscle function may also cause muscle cramps:. Low blood supply to your legs and feet can cause cramping in those areas when you exercise, walk, or participate in physical activities.

This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. To learn the cause of muscle cramps, your doctor will perform a physical examination.

They may ask you questions, such as:. You may also need a blood test to check the levels of potassium and calcium in your blood, as well as your kidney and thyroid function. You may also take a pregnancy test. Your doctor may order an electromyography EMG. This is a test that measures muscle activity and checks for muscle abnormalities. An MRI may also be a helpful test.

On occasion, a myelogram , or myelography, another imaging study, might be helpful. These symptoms can be signs of a nerve disorder. You can apply a hot or cold compress to your sore muscles at the first sign of a spasm to ease the pain of muscle cramps.

You can use any of the following:. Stretching the affected muscle can also alleviate the pain of muscle cramps. For example, if your calf is cramping, you could pull your foot upward with your hand to stretch the calf muscle.

It may also help to stretch the sore muscles gently. Muscle cramps can interrupt your sleep. If this happens, talk to your doctor about a prescription muscle relaxer. This medication helps relax your muscles and calm spasms. Controlling the underlying cause of muscle cramps can improve your symptoms and ease spasms.