Family Health Tip from Dr. George Tomes (a chiropractor in Dallas, GA)

[SOTDOC]

Muscle spasms are like cramps, except the pain is ongoing and there is actually a knot of muscle tissue under the skin. Muscle spasms often occur after exercising or sitting in the same position for a long time.

 

If you suffer from muscle spasms, here are some easy, natural ways to reduce the pain and prevent future spasms:

 

- Apply warm moist heat to the area. This can be a wet towel heated in the microwave, a hot shower or a bath.

 

- Stretch the tight muscle with gentle, gradual stretches.

 

- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water to flush lactic acid away from the knotted muscles.

 

- When you are working your muscles, during exercise or physical labor, take short breaks of about 10-15 minutes periodically. Also take short breaks, when watching tv, using a computer, or sitting on a plane for extended periods of time. Take a few minutes to get up, walk around, stretch and change your sitting positions.

 

- Increase the amount of calcium in your diet by eating low-fat dairy foods like skim milk, yogurt, and organic cottage cheese.

 

- Increase your potassium intake by adding foods like bananas, potatoes, eggs, beets and raisins to your diet.

 

- Try to avoid acidic foods like tomatoes and tomato-based foods, citrus (fruits and juices), and vinegar.

 

- Ask a friend to help by massaging the painful area, or make an appointment with a massage therapist.

 

Dr. George helps relieve pain from muscle spasms through the use of ultrasound, massage, and several chiropractic adjusting techniques. Please give us a call if you need professional assistance in relieving pain from muscle spasms.