Muscle Cramp

Muscle spasms (also called muscle cramps) occur when your muscle involuntarily and forcibly contracts uncontrollably and can’t relax. Muscle spasms are normal and quite common. They can involve part or all of a muscle or several muscles in a group. You can get muscle spasms anywhere in your body. Some of the most common types include:

• Back spasms.
• Arm spasms.
• Leg cramps and charley horses.
• Neck spasms.
• Chest cramps.
• Abdomen cramps.
• Ribcage spasms.

Who gets muscle spasms?

Muscle spasms can happen to anyone at any time. They can occur when you walk, sit, exercise or sleep. Some people are prone to muscle spasms and get them regularly with any type of physical exertion.

People who are most likely to get muscle spasms include:

• Athletes.
• Infants.
• Pregnant people.
• People over the age of 65.
• People who have obesity.

Are muscle spasms (muscle cramps) serious?

Most of the time, muscle spasms aren’t something to worry about. But in some cases, muscle cramps can indicate an underlying neurological condition. These conditions affect your brain — your brain helps your muscles move. When involuntary muscle movements result from a neurological condition, it’s called dystonia.

If you have chronic muscle cramps, along with other symptoms like pain, muscle weakness or poor coordination, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if you have an underlying neurological issue.