Muscle spasms after exercise common
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Dear Dr. Roach: My wife is 69 and in very good health, exercising at least two hours a day. She has suffered from “knots in the back” for over 10 years. It is extremely painful, often bringing her to tears. It comes on suddenly at any time of the day or night, and lasts hours, days and occasionally weeks. She has seen several physicians, whose recommendations are to “live with it.” She has tried chiropractic, massage therapy, prescription and OTC painkillers, stretching and home massage, all to no avail. I cannot see the knots, but I can feel a tightness when I try to rub them out. A glass of wine is the only reliable relief, and it lasts only a few hours. Is there another recourse? — J.P.
The fact that it comes on suddenly, can be felt as tightness and gets a bit better with alcohol makes me strongly suspect she is having muscle spasms. These most often come on in the legs and feet, but they can affect the back too.
Two hours a day of exercising sounds like a lot, and she may be overexercising some muscles, while possibly not exercising others. This can lead to imbalances in muscle strength. Another common problem stemming from exercising is inadequate stretching. Stretching is the first place to start for many people with muscle cramps. A physical therapist or physiatrist may be of great benefit. I am concerned the exercise regimen may be the cause.
Abnormalities in electrolytes (blood salts, like potassium, sodium, magnesium and phosphate) are only rarely the cause. Primary muscle diseases, side effects from medications and inadequate hydration are possible, but unlikely.
I’d recommend she try backing off a bit from the exercise, maybe using ice after exercise, stretching the back under supervision and trying a hot bath or shower before bed.
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