26 Home Remedies for Muscle Spasms

Have you ever experienced a sudden muscular contraction, bulging, or stiffness? Such feeling is referred to as muscle spasm. Spasms can happen in many areas of the body, and for so many reasons, anyone could be a victim.

Spasms can be experienced in the hands, back, feet, abdomen, and arms. You can also experience them in your hamstring, rib cage, calves, and quadriceps. Reported cases of muscular spasms revealed that the cramping is induced by energy demanding sporting activities and exercises.

To alleviate the associated pain, ensure that you undergo muscle massaging and gentle stretching, get enough rest and be patient. Muscle spasms are strongly associated with people who often experience severe back and neck pain.

However, pregnant women are not to be left out due to their spontaneous weight gain.

Also in menstruating women, uterine contraction is the primary cause of muscle cramps, though menstrual pain is known to vary among individuals.

Muscle spasms are also known to be a side effect of severe medical conditions such as McArdle’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. Although muscle spasms can inflict extreme pain on its victim, applying these natural muscle relaxers will provide relief.

Examples of Muscle Spasms

Typical examples of spasms often experienced include lower back pain, diarrhea, and menstrual cramps. However, the charley horse is known to be the most frequent and severe kind of muscle spasms. This condition has the tendency to induce acute calf muscle cramps which can wake you out of sleep.

You can experience other types when you are on your feet, after a session of exercises or when you move out of bed at daybreak.

The chances of suffering from occasional muscle spasms increases as you age. You might want to ask why? This is because as you age, you tend to lose muscle mass and consequently, more pressure is exerted on the remaining muscles responsible for supporting your body weight.

However, it is noteworthy that just about anyone can experience muscle spasms not just those that are aging and losing muscle mass. People who are prone to frequent muscle cramps include anyone with chronic inflammation or poor circulation.  

A bad diet (some nutrients cause muscles to relax naturally), pregnant women, or those experiencing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), and athletes, are also susceptible.

 

Home Remedies for Muscle Spasms

These remedies are applicable for a broad range of spasms including your lower back and other parts of your body.

 

1. Fish-oil Mix

We’ve all heard of the advantages of cod liver oil and other oils extracted from fishes and how well they boost human health.  They are known to prevent the production of hormones that are dangerous for the cartilages. A major advantage is that they are readily available and very effective in pain relief.

2. Cherries

Rich in magnesium and potassium, cherries are very useful in providing respite from pains. The potassium content gives cherries an anti-inflammatory property which helps in fighting muscle spasms.

An apple a day keeps off the doctor, six cherries a day are also sure to keep pains, spasms and swellings at bay regardless of whether it’s straight from the farm, processed or preserved. Cherries can also be boiled to extract syrup from them which is very useful in providing relief for people suffering from arthritis.

 

3. Turmeric

This remedy is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been put in use across various cultures.  Turmeric leads to increased muscle and joint flexibility and soothes sore joints and bones. It is, however, advisable to use it in a periodic and controlled manner to prevent the occurrence of secondary effects. Simply add turmeric powder to your meals to both flavor your food and get some wonderful health benefits.

 

4. Vitamin D

The frequent occurrence of spasms may often be related to a deficiency in Vitamin D. Exposure to the early morning sun for brief periods of time will help in increasing the amount of Vitamin D present in the body.

Another source of vitamin D is dairy products which should be taken in quantities not exceeding the recommended daily allowance range; these will be quite useful in remedying muscle spasm symptoms.

 

5. Chamomile Tea

There are some nutritional constituents of chamomile tea that are helpful in preventing inflammation. This tea is also used as pain relievers, and this makes chamomile tea an excellent remedy for spasms. Simply drink chamomile tea whenever your muscle spasms act up.

 

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has two significant medical benefits: it cleanses the body of free radicals and it also increases the secretion of collagen in the body. These two advantages of Vitamin C will consequently also lead to the soothing of your sore joints.

According to various scientific studies, an increase in Vitamin C intake has been discovered to drastically lower the risk of occurrence of muscle spasms.

7. Berry Tea

The active ingredient in berry tea that combats spasms is referred to as Terpene. This ingredient majorly fights-off rheumatoid spasms by attenuating inflammatory pains. Regular intake of berry tea will help to regain and boost your mobility. The known species of this substance such as the prickly and juniper variety have all been assessed and the same results as earlier mentioned were obtained. Drink one of these teas whenever your muscle spasms act up.

 

8. Exercise

Although exercises have been said to induce spasms, a light routine is in fact very healthy. These simple, healthy routines include: jogging short distances, taking a short walk to your immediate environment or open fields. Regular physical activities will help keep your body in shape, improve your health and prevent frequent dysfunction. Less stress will be felt in your joints and pains will be actually reduced.

 

9. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is recommended as an effective remedy for spasm because of its ability to reduce pain caused by swellings, and the extent of inflammation felt around joints. You can just massage the affected area with the oil. Do this as often as needed to relieve your pain.

 

10. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is considered as an effective home remedy for pains because it contains magnesium sulfate in high quantity. Due to the high magnesium content in magnesium sulfate, it serves as an efficient pain reliever. You can purchase it from any retail outlet as Epsom salt.

To use this home remedy, add two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath. Do not add any soap to this bath, as certain soaps do not react well with Epsom salt. Soak in the bath for about twenty minutes to feel results.

11. Molasses

Molasses is regarded as a sterling food supplement because of its calcium, potassium, and magnesium contents  Molasses is obtainable from sugar syrup and are different from refined sugar. With the aid of blackstrap, molasses can be consumed as a drink while retaining its nerves and bones strengthening component. Eat a tablespoon of molasses whenever your muscle spasms act up.

 

12. Eat Healthy

To ensure optimum mobility and reduced inflammation of your joints, it is important to reduce the intake of junk meals. Always consume significant amounts of onions, fresh fruits, herbs, and nuts to improve your physical abilities.

 

13. Olive Oil

Olive oil is considered an excellent substance for pain relief in the joints because of its lubricating property. It is noteworthy that Inflammation enzymes inhibition induced by virgin olive oil is as a result of its oleocanthal composition.

In comparison to conventional painkillers such as ibuprofen, 1.5 tbsp of olive oil is equivalent to 200mg of painkillers. It should be noted that olive oil can be denatured by heat. Therefore, cold-pressed olive is preferred.  

 

14. Calcium

The importance of calcium in creating and maintaining healthy bones has been established scientifically. It has also been confirmed to prevent bone and joints failure and lower the tendency for swellings and pain to occur.

It has been prescribed that women above the age of 50 should have a daily calcium intake of at least 1,200mg. Nutritional sources of calcium include kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflowers, and dairy products.

 

15. Bosweilla Supplements

This is a flower native to some regions of Africa and Asia. Its extracts have been found to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving attributes.  Bosweilla extracts are useful in treating tissue swelling and are found as dry herbs or in powdered form at Herba-asheries.

They can be used to spice foods or added to drinks, when combined with olive oil and applied on sore spots, you can be assured of a soothing effect. Use the supplements as directed on the package to get the best results.

16. Watch your Weight

People with obesity have a higher tendency to experience muscle contractions than their friends who are more in shape. Healthy eating habits, exercising, and other activities that help to keep weight gain in check are very helpful in avoiding the onset and symptoms of spasms.

 

17. Apple Cider Vinegar

The contents of this substance which include beta-carotene, acetic acid, and antioxidants make it an appropriate choice of remedy for various kinds of ailments. Antioxidants help to protect your body cells and tissues, by putting free radicals in check. Apple cider vinegar can be used be in combination with other substances to spurt pain relief.

To use this home remedy, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. If you like, you can also add a teaspoon of honey or lemon juice to improve the flavor. Drink this whenever your muscle spasms act up.

 

18. Dandelion Leaves

The consumption of dandelion leaves boosts the supply of vitamin A to the body, which, in turn, contributes to the elimination of toxins in the body. This natural ingredient not only speeds up the amount of vitamin C supplied to the body, but it also contains minimal amounts of linoleic acid. This makes it an effective anti-inflammatory remedy. The impact of linoleic acid on immune response optimization has been proven to be positive thereby, making dandelion a suitable treatment for muscle spasms.

Drinking dandelion tea or adding dandelion to your salads are both great ways to use dandelion leaves to improve your muscle cramps.

 

19. Uncooked Rice Heating Pad

Heating uncooked rice can make a great heating pad! Get some uncooked rice into a container and microwave it for about three minutes. Allow it to cool for some time before placing it over the affected area. Having done this, you should be relieved of pain.

 

20. White Willow Tea

Willow bark is mostly taken in as a tea, and it contains salicin which is converted to salicylic acid when ingested into your body. Salicylic acid is a proven remedy for back pains. Regular intake of this substance will help ease movement in your joints, free pain and get rid of inflammation.

21. Pectin

Pectin is a cell material extracted from plants, it gives plants the rigidity that sustains their structure and keeps them vertically erect. It is also responsible for the tender thickness of fruits by which they keep their shape.

A mixture of pectin and grape juice, when drunk, will give your skin tissues the kind of delicate firmness and rigidity that it supplies in plants and is also found in jellies and jams. Grape juice is also renowned for its anti-inflammatory effects and IS often named in home remedies’ outlines. You can be sure that a mixture of these two will perform wonders in helping you keep away spasms.

 

22. Celery

This plant has been tested and confirmed to contain anti-inflammatory elements which make it an appropriate choice of home remedy for spasms.  Celery is rich in potassium, and since the lack of potassium complicates spasms, celery is deemed an essential dietary supplement. Eat celery whenever your muscle spasms act up.

 

23. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is also quite famous for its versatility in treating various ailments- spasms included. Like ginger, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and speeds up the healing process. Aloe vera is a good energy source an immune system booster when added to meals and drinks. Add a tablespoon of aloe vera juice to a smoothie for a flavorless way to add it to food.

 

24. Golden Raisins

Golden raisins contain chondroitin and glucosamine which are both rich in sulfides. Over time, sulfides have been used for pain relief purposes which then supports its use as a spasms remedy. Eat a handful of golden raisins to treat muscle spasm symptoms.

 

25. Eucalyptus Oil

An ancient cure for spasms, eucalyptus oil, is quite popular as a household treatment for various types of cramps. Just a minute quantity is required which is applied to the affected part, consistent use brings desirable results. Add a couple drops of eucalyptus oil to a carrier oil, like olive oil, and rub it on the affected area.

 

26. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a proven home remedy for spasms, but its use on broken skins should be avoided. To prepare this herbal remedy, mix capsaicin with proportionate amounts of ground cayenne and olive oil to facilitate pain relief from spasms. Massage the aching area with this blend twice daily.

Which of these home remedies are you most likely to try? Comment below?

 

References

http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Back-Spasm

https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/back-pain/muscle-spasms-leading-cause-back-pain-not-primary-cause

http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/upper-back-spasms/

http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/tc/upper-and-middle-back-pain-home-treatment