Question 1

what is a muscle spasm? is it the same as a charlie horse or a muscle cramp?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Cramp is common, less frequent, short lived and can resolve with stretching, usually related to exercise--dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
muscle spasm, is more persistent, has a different distribution, may not be  related to exercise 
 so may articles uses the 2 terms interchangeble--but in the clinic we keep asking details.

Question 2

what is the difference between muscle spasms and muscle cramps? i have cervical spondylosis and i call it spasms. accurate?

Accepted Answer

No: You are referring to 3 different diagnoses, tho they are related. Muscles spasms are intermittent as in on and off.  A cramp is unrelenting that is constant w/o intermittent relief. Both can be caused by spondylosis, which is a type of dislocation of the vertebra in the spine, putting strain and tension on ligaments and tendons, which leads to the mucsular pain. Txs are avalable. Talk to your dr.

Question 3

are there exercises i can do to relieve leg muscle spasms, cramps?

Accepted Answer

More than exercise: Exercise means to most people using your muscles, and this can cause the spasms and cramps.  Stretching, flexibility exercises, hot packs, even topical creams are the remedies.  But you must know why you are getting these cramps.  There can be many reasons, from simply poor nutrition to serious diseases.  See your doctor!  a simple thing to try, as long as you are healthy is magnesium citrate.

Question 4

is there one medicine for spasticity and muscle spasms? associated with neuropathy. which is recommended??

Accepted Answer

No: There are multiple medications we use for muscle spasticity to varying degrees of help including flexeril, zanaflex, soma, baclofen, Valium, and skelaxin (metaxalone) just to name a few.  Discuss directly with your doctor what would be best for you.

Question 5

high blood sugars and muscle spasms and cramps treatment ?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on: whether you are an established diabetic, or just starting to be one, or just sick from other things like viruses and allergies.  High blood sugar is usually a warning sign of diabetes, but other hormonal conditions can cause that.  Or high intake of sugars.  Are you on insulin? or are you an athlete or body-builder on steroids?  Need more info my friend.  Thanks for trusting in HealthTap.

Question 6

how can i reduce the cramps/muscle spasms in my foot during ballet?

Accepted Answer

Warm up before.: In some cases insufficient warm up prior to your dance activities.

Question 7

i have a muscle cramp or spasm in my buttocks left cheek. how do i relieve it..it's so uncomfortable?

Accepted Answer

Stretch/heat: Stretch the muscle and apply heat.

Question 8

can the leg be tender after a muscle spasm or cramp? it lasted for few hours after the cramp and/or spasm. thank you

Accepted Answer

Tearing of the: muscle fibers can cause prolonged pain after severe cramps. Warm up stretches are touted as possible prevention, however studies are not clear on actual success of pre activity stretches. If happens a lot consider getting your blood tested for magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels.

Question 9

is it ok to stop taking diovan (valsartan) abruptly?  i have been on it for 9 months. gives bad muscle pain and muscle spasms and cramps. i have gained 20 pounds

Accepted Answer

Yes but: Let your physician know & follow up in short order with them.

Question 10

i keep getting cramps & muscle spasms.  the cramps are in my ribs for the most part & my low legs.
the spasms are riley bad & are across my low to middle back!!
it is so bad i am extremely limited in my activitys.
help please!!

Accepted Answer

Can't help you here: Your problem could be hormonal, nutritional, metabolic, neurological, or genetic. It could be medically benign &amp; symptomatically easily treatable or it could be really serious. Your post is only the beginning of the diagnostic process, not the end. You need to see a live doctor who can take a thorough history &amp; do a complete physical exam. Best of luck &amp; I hope you get the help you need.

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Doctor answers about:

What is the difference between a muscle spasm and a muscle cramp

A member asked:

What is a muscle spasm? is it the same as a charlie horse or a muscle cramp?

A member asked:

What is the difference between muscle spasms and muscle cramps? i have cervical spondylosis and i call it spasms. accurate?

A member asked:

Are there exercises i can do to relieve leg muscle spasms, cramps?

A member asked:

Is there one medicine for spasticity and muscle spasms? associated with neuropathy. which is recommended??

A member asked:

High blood sugars and muscle spasms and cramps treatment ?

A member asked:

How can i reduce the cramps/muscle spasms in my foot during ballet?

A member asked:

I have a muscle cramp or spasm in my buttocks left cheek. how do i relieve it..it's so uncomfortable?

A member asked:

Can the leg be tender after a muscle spasm or cramp? it lasted for few hours after the cramp and/or spasm. thank you

A member asked:

Is it ok to stop taking diovan (valsartan) abruptly? i have been on it for 9 months. gives bad muscle pain and muscle spasms and cramps. i have gained 20 pounds

A member asked:

I keep getting cramps & muscle spasms. the cramps are in my ribs for the most part & my low legs. the spasms are riley bad & are across my low to middle back!! it is so bad i am extremely limited in my activitys. help please!!

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