Muscles constantly contract and relax, with rests in between. A contracting muscle needs sugar and oxygen, and it uses plenty of calcium. Its waste, carbon dioxide and lactic acid, must be removed all the time.
When this process goes wrong, the muscle goes into spasm: it stays contracted and needs more rest. The contraction can last so long that it presses on nerves and causes constant pain.
The muscles most prone to spasm are the shoulder muscles: their blood supply is very sensitive, and the area is large and full of nerves. So the first sign of a long-term shortage of oxygen and calcium is often stiff, cramped shoulders.
Causes of persistent spasms
- Acute, chronic or hidden infections in the mouth (under the molars), the sinuses or the ears. Chest infections can cause the same symptoms.
- Too little calcium in the diet, or poor absorption of it (milk helps).
- Too few micronutrients (vitamins and trace minerals) in the diet, or poor absorption of them (supplements may help).
- A general lack of oxygen.
Treatment
Look for the cause and deal with it. Avoid rough massage, because bruising the muscle uses up even more of these substances.
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