Muscle Relaxants
Muscle Spasms and Muscle Cramps,
Treatment
Muscle Spasms and Muscle Cramps
A muscle spasm is a painful involuntary contraction of  a muscle. Splinting is a reflex
muscle spasm producing muscular rigidity which occur in response to local trauma
or musculoskeletal disorders. A muscle cramp is a strong, painful contraction of one
or more muscles. The result can be acute pain and inability to use the affected
muscles.
Muscle cramps range in intensity and can last a few seconds to several minutes.
They might recur multiple times. Common causes of muscle cramps are overuse,
injuries, muscle strain, stress and dehydration during sports, or staying in the same
position.
Learn More about Muscle Spasms and Muscle Cramps:

Muscle Cramps (MedlinePlus)
Muscle Cramp (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research)
A variety of medications with different pharmacological mechanisms of action are
available for treatment of muscle spasms.  

The mechanism of action of the centrally acting muscle relaxants might be due to
their depressive effect on the CNS. They are mainly used for the relief of the painful
muscle spasms and muscle cramps due to musculoskeletal and neuromuscular
disorders. The improvement is manifested by relief of muscle spasm and its
associated signs and symptoms.
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