Can you have muscle spasms in your stomach?
Have you ever felt like there was a crazy party going on in your tummy, and not just because of the tacos you had for lunch? Well, guess what, my friend – it’s possible to have muscle spasms in your stomach. Yes, that’s right! Not only can you feel those contractions during a hardcore workout or when trying to impress your crush at the beach, but sometimes they even happen involuntarily within your digestive system. Let’s dive into what causes these spasms and how to handle them like a boss.
What are Muscle Spasms?
Before we delve into the specifics of stomach muscle spasms, let’s first define what they actually are. A muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of one or more muscles in the body. This sudden tightening can cause pain or discomfort as well as affect movement and performance. Examples of common types of muscle spasms include abdominal cramps during menstruation (for our ladies out there), “charley horses” in the leg from dehydration or overuse, and back spasms from improper lifting techniques.
The Science Behind Stomach Muscle Spasms
Now that we understand what a muscle spasm is let’s get down with some gastrointestinal talk! Digestion involves smooth muscles – which work automatically and without conscious control – contracting rhythmically during various stages along the digestive tract (pretty cool stuff if you ask me)!
The muscular activity involved throughout digestion helps break food down so nutrients could be easily extracted by our bodies for proper functioning (don’t skip breakfast)! However different factors such as: stress/anxiety levels, lack balance diet^(1), medication side effects ^(2)or pre-existing medical conditions while disrupt this rhythmic pattern & lead to uncomfortable/ painful sensations- commonly referred to ‘Stomach Cramps’
In essence ‘stomach cramps’ to a medical expert refer to ‘gastric spasms,’ caused by rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscles within your stomach^(3). Commonly, one could blame these spasms on what we ate though numerous other factors as mentioned earlier also contribute.
Signs and Symptoms of Muscle Spasms in Your Stomach
Like every medical condition, there are symptoms or signs you can look out for when it comes down to muscle spasm in the stomach. Here are some they include:
- Persistent Contractions; These sudden tight spots seem like quick intense pain with brief intervals between.
- A bloated Tummy feeling – which feels heavy & uncomfortable especially after meals.
- Diarrhea/Constipation yet not so severe enough warranting immediate physician intervention
- Nausea – this is a feeling of being sick commonly accompanied by vomiting
So What Causes These Muscule Spasms ?
Before trying any self-treatment options for gastric spasms, understand that identifying triggers is very important. Let’s have an overview:
1.High-Stress Levels
Stress levels lead us into disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome becomes common cause ^(4). It frequently results in abdominal cramping and discomfort.
To put it simply – high-stress areas release excess cortisol hormone that pushes increased digestive flow throughout our gastrointestinal tract thus leading towards contractions causing frequent painful sensations(- Also why inducing yoga/meditation activities helps alleviate stress-induced gastritis)
2.Imbalanced Diets
Nutritional deficiencies negatively affect functioning aspects throughout our body from tissues -> organs^(5).
For example: Scientists believed electrolytes play a crucial role balancing fluid-containing nutrients inside/outside various cells surrounding most importantly those located along the small intestine (gut wall). Forvthose partaking insufficient diets would be prone towards experiencing more gastric related issues including muscle distress.
All thanks to imbalanced nutrients – this could lead up to: constipation, diarrhea & indigestion resulting in painful gastric spasms^(6).
3.Gastrointestinal Infections
Common bacteria infections such as norovirus, campylobacter pylori etc can cause gastroenteritis – an acute inflammation throughout various gastrointestinal tracts ^(7)– could also lead stomach muscle contractions.
Another known factor involves food poisoning (from poorly cooked/raw animal products/vegetables). Here the toxins released by disease-causing bacteria attacks your intestine lining triggering involuntary reactions that lead towards quick motions between accumulation then output essentially leading to abdominal cramps(- just concluding those dodgy chicken bites obviously was not worth it!)
Preventing and Treating Stomach Muscle Spasms at Home
Now for the juicy bits of information!! Listed below are several home remedies we sort our collectively talking with medical experts! These aren’t professional advice so be sure to contact a healthcare provider before use . Also important note ! For Severe/ persistent spasms head directly towards seeking immediate medical attention instead.
Low- Fat Nourishment
So to put it concisely: Oily/fatty edibles have slower digestibility levels thus slowed down digestion which causes increased bowel strain creating painful sensations^(8)- here emphasis is placed on foods providing higher proteins & carbs!
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration build ups throughout your body more predominantly within cells of tissues e.g. Muscles (-remember electrolytes ?); therefore, staying hydrated has been said repeatedly by doctors’^{[ 2]} importance in lowering muscular distress symptoms specifically for those prone towards them!!
On warmer days around summer time drinking approximately two liters or eight cups per day with consistent hydrations throughout physical activities/exertions is crucial ranging from sports drinks -> lime juice -> caffeinated beverages,(evidence states regular water consumption holds high benefits)>> This trick also works wonders when recovering from gastroenteritis or food poisoning as it helps calm, soothe the digestive tract and ail muscular pains.
Stretching & Application Of Heat
This one seems obvious but is very important: Stretches prevent further contraction of stomach muscles hence some stretching exercises such as knees to chest or lying down in a curled position(foetal) help reduce spasms & pain sensations.
Heating pads also work wonders; just apply warmth onto areas experiencing muscle cramps- working towards quietening contractions calming digestive systems relieving discomfort-PURE BLISS!
Over-The-Counter medication
Medically tested OTC medications include : Anti-gas releasers (simethicone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsNSAIDs(e.g ibuprofen), Calcium channel blockers(Verapamil)- all help lessen persistent cramps^(9).
Conclusion
Muscle spasms in your stomach may seem like an inconvenience at first, especially if you’re already dealing with a busy day-to-day life that’s where we have got you covered! Following the coping mechanism steps talked about above will make sure they are a short-term affair with minimal occurrence. But always remember ,if these obstinate gastric circumstances happen continuously/increased severity without relief-seeking medical attention promptly – this could reveal other underlying health conditions leading up into something more serious.
Say no to discomforts and yes to healthier living tips- But most importantly be kind self-care readily available anywhere just reach out for it whenever needed(11)!