Muscle spasm, muscle cramp or muscle tension can be symptoms associated with mechanical joint problems or they can be conditions in their own right.
They can be caused by the muscles being strained or overused or they can be associated with poor posture e.g. if you have a poorly set up desk at work. However, there also underlying conditions that may trigger muscular pain and stiffness for different reasons. If you have persistent muscular pain or stiffness that does not resolve with rest, stretching or gentle exercise in a short period of time (2-4 weeks) then there may be an underlying cause that might need to be treated.
Your practitioner will take time to evaluate the cause of your symptoms. Osteopathic treatment can help to ease muscular tension, and you may be given advice on how to prevent the symptoms from returning. You may be given exercises or postural advice or even an ergonomic assessment to identify if there are any other factors that could be corrected to help you manage your discomfort. Typically, most patients presenting with muscular pain or stiffness respond quickly to treatment. However, we can also refer you for further assessment if we feel your symptoms may be being caused by an underlying illness.
