What Are Involuntary Muscle Spasms?
Involuntary muscle spasms are contractions of the muscles in the body that occur without control. They are different from the involuntary muscle movements that are used to mediate a number of biological functions from breathing to digestion, as they involve muscles that are normally used in voluntary movements. Such spasms can be linked to a number of different causes and there are treatments available to address both spasms and the underlying cause. Seeking medical attention for involuntary muscle spasms is recommended if they are painful or persistent because they may be caused by a serious medical issue. Some common causes for involuntary muscle spasms include fatigue, stress, electrolyte imbalances such as those caused by dehydration, injury to the muscle, and neurological conditions. Sometimes a muscle spasm is a simple cramp, and the contraction of the muscle can be eased with a gentle stretch. In other cases, the chemical signals used by the body to control muscle movements are
