Comment from: 19-24 Female (Patient)Published: November 02
My muscle spasms originally started as a reaction to an antipsychotic medication called Haldol. My psychiatrist said that the muscle spasms would cease once my body got used to the medication. However, they continued to persist, and, because of my doctor's reluctance to try me on some other type of antipsychotic, I developed tardive dystonia. My spasms mainly happen in my neck, forcing my neck to go back for long periods of time, which is extremely painful. Occasionally, they happen in my hands and arms. My doctors have told me that my condition is permanent. If my psychiatrist had only listened to me when I told him I was having muscle spasms, the doctor said I could have avoided having this disorder for the rest of my life.
Comment from: Linda, 65-74 Female (Patient)Published: February 25
After almost 48 years of being awakened at night with horrific muscle spasms in my legs from the thighs to my heels I finally got a cure five months ago. It's as simple as taking a half glass of tonic water in the evening which was recommended by both my hematologist and my husband's cardiologist. It's the quinine in the water. I had tried everything -- from diets with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and consuming plenty water and taking folic acid. The first year of taking over-the-counter folic acid worked, then my doctor prescribed a stronger folic acid, and it worked for a long time, but the spasms eventually returned. The tonic water has left me virtually free of muscle spasms. Another benefit is I have not had the arthritis pain in my fingers and hand I had during winter months. My husband started drinking the tonic water about three months ago and now has no problems with the arthritis he's suffered with for over 10 years due to a broken heel 13 years ago. He's been on prescribed meds for the arthritis and had to use a cane to assist him in walking. Even with the unusual cold and wet weather we've had here in Austin this year he has had no problem with his ankle. Every evening we have our cocktail (tonic water) together. Take it several hours prior to bedtime or you'll be up at night going to the bathroom.
Comment from: Hanamaulu Hawaii, 55-64 Female (Patient)Published: January 14
I started having reoccurring muscle cramps from beginning of last year 2009. At which I was under doctor's care for other ailments. I was taking 6 pharmaceutical drugs. I sought the Lord for instructions and direction to be weaned off the pharmaceutical drugs. I purchased a Kaegen water system about 7 months ago, changed my eating habits (more vegetables, fruits and nuts in my diet). I was later lead to take vitamin supplements. It has been 6 months since my last reoccurrence. I am currently taking Omega 3 1000ml, D3 1000ml, Mega B 100ml, C 1000ml, Cholest (cholesterol), Potassium 99ml, Natural Calm (anti stress drink). I also take Pharmaceutical drugs Pantoprazole (acid reflux), Benicar (high blood pressure), Actonel (osteoporosis). I will stop taking Actonel (osteoporosis). Occasionally I take Sumatriptan. I no longer take Simvastatin (cholesterol), Tizanidine (muscle relaxer), Ibuprofen (muscle relaxer). I believe in homeopathic remedies, exercise, reading of the word and prayer to bring my body, mind and soul into alignment for proper use. Occasionally I visit a doctor for spinal alignment. Full Body massage is wonderful to experience on special occasions. I would want to encourage anyone out there that there are natural remedies and seeking the Lord for help to heal our body inside as well as outside. Take a step of faith and try it, you will find out that you will like it.
Comment from: boydsdb@aol.com, 65-74 Female (Patient)Published: October 07
I had a TIA (mini-stroke) 18 monthss ago-was put on nifedipine-I also take lovastatin - calcium - multi-vitamin, I started having severe pain when lifting arm -therapy has improved arm movement (not fully) now severe pain in head muscles (especially at night) being treated w/muscle relaxers-does not seem to be working have had x-rays, MRI they claim it is caused by severe muscle spasms (15 mo spasm-unacceptable).
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Muscle cramps are involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscles that do not relax. Extremely common, any muscles that have voluntary control, including some organs, are subject to cramp. Since there is such variety in the types of muscle cramps that can occur, many causes and preventative medications are known. Stretching is the most common way to stop or prevent most muscle cramps.
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults.
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased.
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which progressively injures the nerves of the brain and spinal cord, reflected by alterations of virtually every sensory or motor function in the body. The cause of MS is primarily unknown. There are different types of MS including relapsing-remitting MS, primary-progressive MS, and secondary-progressive MS. Symptoms of MS rang from mild to severe and examples include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, spasm, and fatigue. Decreased concentration, memory loss, and impaired judgment. Treatment for MS is generally with medications.
Stress occurs when forces from the outside world impinge on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life. However, over-stress, can be harmful. There is now speculation, as well as some evidence, that points to the abnormal stress responses as being involved in causing various diseases or conditions.
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint(s) that causes signs and symptoms including ear pain, bite problems, headaches, dizziness, clicking sounds in the jaw, tinnitus and/or locked jaws. Behaviors or conditions that can lead to TMJ include teeth grinding or clenching, fingernail biting, habitual gum chewing, trauma to the jaw, stress, and occupational hazards. Treatment for TMJ may include heat, ice, a soft diet, antiinflammatory medications, physical therapy, stress management, occlusal therapy, correction of bite abnormalities, and surgery.
Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disorder that may cause hallucinations and delusions and affect a person's ability to communicate and pay attention. Symptoms of psychosis appear in men in their late teens and early 20s and in women in their mid-20s to early 30s. With treatment involving the use of antipsychotic medications and psychosocial treatment, schizophrenia patients can lead rewarding and meaningful lives.
Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive neurologic disease characterized by a fixed inexpressive face, a tremor at rest, slowing of voluntary movements, a gait with short accelerating steps, peculiar posture and muscle weakness, caused by degeneration of an area of the brain called the basal ganglia, and by low production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Most patients are over 50, but at least 10 percent are under 40.
Toothache usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws. In most instances, toothaches are caused by tooth or jaw problems, such as a dental cavity, a cracked tooth, an exposed tooth root, gum disease, disease of the jaw joint (TMJ), or spasms of the muscles used for chewing. A toothache can also be caused by a problem that does not originate from a tooth or the jaw, like diseases of the heart (angina or heart attack), ear infections, and sinus infections. A thorough oral examination, which includes dental X-rays, can help determine the cause.
Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown the disorder is described based on the age when the scoliosis develops (infantile, juvenile, or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis). In functional scoliosis, curvature develops due to a problem somewhere else in the body. With neuromuscular scoliosis, there is a problem when the bones of the spine are formed. Treatment typically involves observation, bracing, and surgery and is dependent upon the severity of the curvature.
Hyponatremia is a condition where the level of sodium in the blood is low. Causes of hyponatremia can occur from excess fluid in the body, or a loss of sodium in body fluid. Some of the symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, muscle cramps or spasm, seizures, weakness and confusion. Treatment of hyponatremia depends on the cause.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the person has seizures. There are two kinds of seizures, focal and generalized. There are many causes of epilepsy. Treatment of epilepsy (seizures) depends upon the cause and type of seizures experienced.
Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection. Rabies symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and can progress to more serious symptoms such as seizures, coma and death. The rabies vaccine (rabies treatment) should be administered immediately after the person or pet has been bitten.
Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, which may include nerve irritation, genetic factors, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, muscle spasms, hormonal changes, and more. The most common symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) is burning, rawness, itching, stinging, aching, soreness, and throbbing. There are a variety of treatments that can ease the symptoms of vulvodynia (vaginal pain).
Hamstring injuries may range from minor strains to major ruptures. A hamstring injury causes spasm, tightness, and tenderness. More severe injuries may cause swelling and bruising. While most hamstring injuries heal without surgery, a complete rupture would require surgery.
Tetanus is an often-fatal disease caused by nerve toxins produced by the common bacteria Clostridium tetani. In a seven-day period after infection, a person experiences muscle spasms, restlessness, headache, irritability, then lockjaw, and the lungs stop functioning. Tetanus is treatable with antibiotics and drainage. Sedation is often give to stop muscle spasms.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement fluids. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. Treatment may involve over-the-counter antiperspirants, prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, medications, surgery, and Botox.
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is an infection of a facial nerve that causes a red painful rash with blisters and facial paralysis. The herpes zoster virus causes the infection. The infection is treated with antiviral agents, steroids, and pain medications.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease) is a neurological disease that progresses rapidly. The disease attacks the nerve cells responsible for the control of voluntary muscles. Early symptoms include cramping, twitching, or stiffness of the muscles; slurred nasal speech; difficulty swallowing or chewing, and muscle weakness in an arm or leg. Currently, the cause of ALS is not known. ALS is a fatal disease. No cure has been found for ALS, however, the drug riluzole (Rilutek) is FDA approved, and this drug reduces the damage to motor neurons by decreasing the release of glutamate.
Dystonia disorders cause involuntary movements and prolonged muscle contraction, resulting in twisting body motions, tremor, and abnormal posture. There are many forms of dystonia. Some types of dystonia respond to dopamine, or can be controlled with dedative-type medications, or surgery.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
Hyperthermia is the overheating of the body. Heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, and sunburn are all hyperthermia conditions. Treatment of these conditions depends upon the condition, environment, and circumstances. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and may result in death if not treated promptly. Heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke if not treated properly.
Polio is caused by the poliovirus and is spread through person-to-person contact. In non-paralytic polio, patients experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, headache, sore throat, and vomiting. In paralytic polio, symptoms include difficulty swallowing and breathing, headache, mood swings, muscle pains and spasms, and paralysis. There is no cure for polio, so treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms. In 1955, a polio vaccine was developed.
Urinary incontinence in children (enuresis) is twice as common in boys as in girls and may occur during the daytime or nighttime. Nighttime urinary incontinence is also called bedwetting and sleepwetting. The cause of nighttime incontinence in children is unknown. Daytime incontinence in children may be caused by an overactive bladder. Though many children overcome urinary incontinence naturally, it may be necessary to treat incontinence with medications, bladder training and moisture alarms, which wake the child when he or she begins to urinate.
Anemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count
or hemoglobin is less than normal. The normal level of hemoglobin is generally
different in males and females. For men, anemia is typically defined as
hemoglobin level of less than 13.5 gram/100ml and in women as hemoglobin of less
than 12.0 gram/100ml. These definitions may vary slightly depending on the
source and the laboratory reference used.
What causes anemia?
Any process that can disrupt the normal life span of a red blood cell may cause anemia. Normal life span of a red blood cell is typically around 120 days. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow.
Anemia is caused essentially through two basic pathways. Anemia is either caused:
by a decrease in production of red blood cell or hemoglobin, or
by a loss or destruction of blood.
As more common classifications of anemia (low hemoglo...
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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My muscle spasms originally started as a reaction to an antipsychotic medication called Haldol. My psychiatrist said that the muscle spasms would cease once my body got used to the medication. However, they continued to persist, and, because of my doctor's reluctance to try me on some other type of antipsychotic, I developed tardive dystonia. My spasms mainly happen in my neck, forcing my neck to go back for long periods of time, which is extremely painful. Occasionally, they happen in my hands and arms. My doctors have told me that my condition is permanent. If my psychiatrist had only listened to me when I told him I was having muscle spasms, the doctor said I could have avoided having this disorder for the rest of my life.
Related Reading: muscle spasms | dystonia