Muscle spasms are not something you should be dealing with on a regular basis, even if you are a weightlifter. Spasms are an indication of damage to muscle tissue. In some areas, such as the back, spasms do occur commonly after weightlifting. This does not change the need for treatment. The protocol for healing such injuries may include the use of muscle relaxers. Only your doctor can determine the magnitude of the damage and recommend the use of a muscle relaxer.
Muscle Spasms
Spasms are involuntary contractions of muscle tissue. Depending on the location of the spasm, the feeling may be uncomfortable or painful. Spasms are abnormal reactions that indicate damage to muscle tissue. Treatment for spasms includes ice, rest and compression to allow the muscle to heal. If you experience spasms regularly after weightlifting, you may be injuring the same muscle over and over. The key to treatment is not in taking a muscle relaxer. Instead, you need to take time off and allow the muscle to heal.
Muscle Relaxers
Muscle relaxers sedate the body. The drug does not affect the spasm directly, but works to create full body numbness. When a spasm starts, a muscle begins to contract uncontrollably. The systemic effect of the relaxer eases the contractions and the pain disappears temporarily. Although a muscle relaxer will help to alleviate the spasm, it will not cure the damaged muscle. Muscle relaxers are prescription drugs. Follow the directions from your doctor for proper use and dosage. Your doctor may recommend the drug for after a workout.
Proper Treatments
A better approach to treating muscle spasm is through icing. Apply ice to the area as soon as the spasm begins. Leave the ice in place for up to 20 minutes. Reapply the ice several times a day for up to three days. You may take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to help manage pain. Avoid weightlifting until your doctor gives you the OK, or until you are pain-free for at least a week.
Considerations
A better approach to treating muscle spasm is through icing. Apply ice to the area as soon as the spasm begins. Leave the ice in place for up to 20 minutes. Reapply the ice several times a day for up to three days. You may take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory to help manage pain. Avoid weightlifting until your doctor gives you the OK or until you are pain-free for at least a week. Even though you should not do weightlifting, you may still be able to do other exercise. Ask you doctor how you can stay in shape while waiting for the damaged muscle to heal. If the spasms occur in the low back, a support belt may help. There is little doubt that a muscle relaxer will help spasms after weightlifting, but it is a quick fix for a chronic problem. A better approach is to allow the muscle to heal. Talk to a trainer to see if your technique may be causing the problem. First, treat the damage and then try to prevent it from happening again.
