Why do muscle spasms happen?
A muscle spasm is a sudden, involuntary movement in one or more muscles. People may also call it a charley horse or a muscle cramp or twitch. These movements can happen in any muscle of the body, and they are very common. Muscle spasms often occur as a result of stress, exercise, or dehydration. They are usually not a cause for concern. Causes Muscle spasms are very common. They can happen in any part of the body, but they tend to affect the: feet hands arms thighs abdomen intercostal muscles, which are around the rib cage Muscle pain , fatigue , and overuse are the most common causes of muscle spasms. Other causes include stress or anxiety, which can lead to muscle twitches in the face. Trapped nerves can result in spasms in the back. Athletes who either do not warm up before they exercise or exercise in very hot conditions may also experience muscle spasms . Charley horse , for example, is a term that people often use to describe spasms in runners’ c