Why Do Stomach Spasms Occur?

Why Do Stomach Spasms Occur? Involuntary Muscle Spasms :

Spasms can happen in any muscle or muscle group. Spasm in the stomach is one of them. It is caused by involuntary contractions of the muscles in the stomach. Spasms in other muscle groups of the body are not harmful. But stomach spasms should not be neglected. This is a symptom of an underlying disease that may pose a threat to your health.

Why Do Stomach Spasms Occur?

What are the causes of stomach spasms?

We must remember that under the muscles of our stomach is our digestive system lay. Muscle spasms in the abdomen area are usually associated to acute illnesses involving the digestion of food. Acute illnesses that cause this includes:

· Stomach flu -Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is due to a virus or bacteria. These pathogens caused the intestines and stomach to inflame. Ingestion of toxins through unsanitary food or medication might also cause stomach flu or gastroenteritis. Patients are mostly infants and children.

· Colic -Colic is characterized as an acute or severe pain in the stomach starts and ends suddenly. Infants are mostly affected by colic. Since babies' only way of complaining is through crying, babies that are normally quiet and cries suddenly may be affected by colic.

· Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) -IBS is a condition that makes the affected person changes his bowel habits with discomfort. It is a chronic disease and its usual symptom can either be diarrhea or constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome is also a common cause of stomach spasm.

Diarrhea, food poisoning and constipation alone can also be a cause of stomach muscle spasm.

To treat muscle spasm, you must treat its underlying cause. Gastroenteritis is a very fatal disease but it can be cured by antibiotics. Treating gastroenteritis must be done in a timely manner to prevent more complications. Irritable bowel syndrome is not as fatal as gastroenteritis and can be managed by the use of laxatives. Changing into a high fiber diet is also necessary if irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by constipation. In diarrhea cases, it is important to prevent dehydration. We can do this by replenishing the fluid lost with water or Gatorade to also keep the electrolytes that is lost in balance. Colic, however, tends to resolve itself on its own. No medications are prescribed by the doctor for the cure of colic. But alternative remedies like herbal medicines can be used to alleviate the pain. Alternative treatments like acupuncture and psychotherapy are also proven to be helpful in recovery from the underlying disease that caused muscle spasms in the first place. Our diet plays an important role to avoid muscle spasms. We must maintain a healthy eating habit to prevent stomach muscle spasm. Eating foods rich in fiber like veggies, fruits, wheat, whole grain, oatmeal and more helps a lot. Drinking the advised amount of water which is 7-8 full glasses a day not only keeps us hydrated but it also aids in the digestion of our food.

All the possible underlying cause of stomach muscle spasm is curable. We just have to watch for its common symptoms so we can refer them immediately to a health care provider.

Lam Seina is an Author living in Sydney, Australia. He is interested in reading and creating websites. His latest website is about round bottom wok and finding the best round bottom woks on the web today.

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Vaginismus - Is Your Vagina Normal Size? Whats Right, a Small Tight Or a Big Loose Vagina?

Vaginismus - Is Your Vagina Normal Size? Whats Right, a Small Tight Or a Big Loose Vagina? Involuntary Muscle Spasms :

What is considered the normal size for the vagina? To give an accurate answer, not only could it prove to be difficult, but the chances are high in upsetting a lot of women if they have an issue with the size of their vagina. Women are funny creatures that frequently worry over the least little thing involving parts of their bodies. If something appears slightly different from another woman's then more times than not they worry and think they are abnormal in some way or other. The vagina is high on the worry list that cause women unnecessary fretting. Aside from vagina size common queries involve, vaginal infections, vaginal itching and vaginal odors.

Vaginismus - Is Your Vagina Normal Size? Whats Right, a Small Tight Or a Big Loose Vagina?

I am sure you're fully aware no woman is the same; they may appear so in many ways but very much different. Women differ in shape, height, how they handle situations, size, but more so in their personalities. This is why we have "certain" women worry over specific things while other "certain" women who when faced with the same specific things don't batter an eyelid.

Before we address the matter of what is the normal size for the vagina, we first have to find out what is meant by normal. Every vagina is normal, and the only difference you might see is in its appearance. Some vagina's may "look" big if the woman carries excess weight, while the thin woman, smaller. In relation to the above question I assume you refer to the more intimate side of the vagina i.e. tight or loose. The vagina is an organ of the body that comes in different shapes and sizes, just like pubic hair does in color; however the vaginal walls don't change there all elasticity, so a definite size for a normal vagina can't be given.

Vaginal size

The result of a relaxed vagina sees vaginal walls subside into each other. Diameter is less than 1 inch and the length about 3 to 4 inches. Size of the vagina alters when it prepares itself to accept the penis. Around the time of sexual intercourse - diameter of the vagina is not the same throughout the tunnel. The vaginas narrowest part is the opening which widens as it furthers in. Usually the vagina has a size of one and a half inches. The further inside you go the bigger the diameter. Towards the rear the diameter is commonly 2 1/2 inches. Whereas the front wall is 2 inches in length and the back end is 3 inches which gives us an estimated 6 inches. This may be sound like a load of gobbly goop when talking in terms of diameters etc, but I am afraid this is the way a normal size vagina is usually determined.

Your concern if I am right in saying is because you either, have a loose vagina and want it tightening, or you have a tight vagina that you would like to loosen.

Let us direct our attention to the loose vagina and some of the reasons why it feels slack

One common cause is childbirth. Giving birth to a baby can stretch the vagina caused by severe expansion. Women whose vagina has been damaged in delivery practice Kegel exercises to tighten their vagina. Speak to your GP if you have concerns over your vagina being too big or small. If anyone can help correct the problem it is the doctor. You don't have to become a mom to experience having a loose vagina because women in their twenties and under can suffer too. Nonetheless you're not to panic because if you haven't had a baby then it's highly unlikely the big vagina/vulva matter will happen to you. Also to set the record straight, lots of sexual intercourse will not cause the vagina to stretch and stay that way. No matter how many coupling sessions you have it won't affect vagina or vulva size, like childbirth can. Childbirth interferes with dimensions i.e. damaged muscles and other supporting tissues of the vaginal walls. Fortunately women can help prevent the vagina widening by doing postnatal exercises. Ask your GP or midwife who can advise you.

If the vaginal 'barrel' is extremely big then a result of this is unsatisfactory sex for both partners. Also due to surplus width there is a possibility of air getting into the vagina. If this happens then you may face the embarrassing situation of which we refer to as fanny farting. This is encouraged with the in out pumping movement of the penis which causes air build up in the vagina, which on release makes disturbing noises like that of someone breaking wind.

Tighten a loose vagina doing pelvic floor muscle exercises. Make yourself comfortable in a private room of the house or wherever you feel you won't be interrupted.

Squeeze the muscles at the front of the lower part of your body as if you were preventing yourself from weeing and hold this action for 10 seconds then relax, repeat and continue for 5 minutes. You are not to continue if you experience difficulty or feel pain. If possible do this 4 times a day. If over time you see no improvement speak to a gynecologist to discuss the possibility of a 'repair' operation. What this involves is drawing the weakened pelvic tissues together and firming them.

As for the tight vagina, this in contrast to the loose vagina can bring pain in sexual intercourse and other. Statistically it is highly unlikely for a woman's vagina to be too small. The symptoms that could present themselves for what seems to be caused by smallness are:

* Pain during sexual intercourse
* Unable to have sex
*Discomfort when inserting a tampon

Vaginal tightness is normally linked to a condition known as Vaginismus which affects the vaginal muscles causing them to contract if genital contact is about to be made. There are several symptoms connected with this condition:

* Involuntary uncontrolled spasms of vaginal muscles
* Frightened of pain
* Fear of penetration
* Lack of sexual desire
* Pain from inserting a tampon, finger or penis

Women have no control over these happenings which is quite scary because the symptoms are wholly spontaneous.

Types of Vaginismus

If a woman has never been able to enjoy sexual intercourse (pain free) due to muscle spasms this is called primary vaginismus. Also the type women experience difficulty inserting sanitary tampons. It can occur after years of satisfactory sex, and happen late in life. This stage is known as secondary vaginismus reasoned usually by medical conditions, traumatic experience, giving birth, surgery, or menopause. The vagina isn't as quite complex as some women make it out to be when faced with matters concerning it. Ideal treatment for a loose vagina is exercise. Your vagina may seem big because its most probably relaxed. Exercise will help UN-relax.

With the case of a tight vagina we look towards another approach as it being the more sensitive issue. It is the root cause of vaginismus which determines appropriate treatments prescribed or suggested. If an injury/infection is the cause then it's easily treated with proper medication, however if not then treatment changes.

Sex therapy: Your doctor may recommend you see a health advisor who specializes in sexual health. You may be taught some techniques to retrain your vagina to respond to penetration without flinching. It can be costly if you go private for this treatment but it is available on the NHS. Aside from self help your health advisor may suggest counseling to delve deeper into any underlying psychological issues or cognitive behavioral therapy to help change any illogical or in accurate beliefs about sex

Vaginal trainers are used to help relax vaginal muscles and help widen the vagina. There are 4 cones which look similar to a penis; they come in different sizes. The smallest one is inserted first. Take your time and use a lubricant if needed. Once accomplished you up in size and so on. Some women feel uncomfortable with the cones and prefer the relaxation and touching method. Make yourself comfortable and start touching the genitals. If you tense up, stop and try again. Try this for a couple of days before going to the next level which is to try and insert a finger gently inside the vagina. If you've had problems with tampons try inserting one now.

All about Vaginal Infections and embarrassing Vaginal Odors

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Fracture - Its Pathophysiology, Signs and Diagnosis

Fracture - Its Pathophysiology, Signs and Diagnosis Involuntary Muscle Spasms :

Violence or trauma leads to a break in the bone as well as injury to the underlying structures and soft tissues. There is tear in the periosteum which covers the bone. The blood vessels which supply the bone and the periosteum are ruptured leading to haemorrhage. The haemorrhage leads to the formation of a haematoma (a swelling containing clotted blood) around the fracture site.

Fracture - Its Pathophysiology, Signs and Diagnosis

In severe fracture, nerves, skin and muscles around the fracture site may be damaged producing severe pain and loss of function. Pain may also be produced as a result of severe swelling arising from bleeding from the damaged vessels and inflammatory reaction. Complete break across bone shaft brings about deformity which presents with change in alignment and contour e.g. angulation, rotation of a limb or shortening of a limb.

When there are bone fragments over the site of fracture as occurs in comminuted fracture there is crepitation on palpation or on attempt to move injured limb. Severe pain and shortening of the affected limb also occur as a result of spasm of the surrounding muscles. Severe pain and haemorrhage as occurs in open fracture produce shock.

Injury to underlying organs or tissues e. g. Brain, lungs, urinary bladder, spinal cord etc may occur as the broken bone ends penetrate into them thereby leading to brain injury, pneumothorax, bladder perforation, or paralysis. The bone may also damage the nerve supply to the part thereby causing thereby causing paralysis e.g. injury to the radial nerve as a result of fracture of the Radius can cause paralysis of the arm.

Communication of the bone end with the exterior and presence of an open wound give opportunity for micro-organisms to infect the wound. This may lead to osteomyelitis (Inflammation of the bone marrow) if not properly handled.

Signs and symptoms of fracture
1. Severe pain: Fracture is usually accompanied by a very severe pain. Pain from fracture is about the worst pain so far. The kind of pain sometimes is enough to make the patient go into a state of shock if not controlled.

2. Deformity: Deformity occurs especially with fracture of the limbs. The part below the affected limb can be rotated outwards or inwards. In some cases the affected limb is shorter than the second.

3. Loss of function: The individual is unable to make use of the affected part due to pain, tenderness or deformity. One obvious sign of fracture of the lower limb is that patient cannot walk with the affected limb. In case of the arm the patient can also not lift with the affected limb or move it above the head.

4. Muscle spasm: There is usually involuntary muscle contraction around the fracture site. This is often responsible for the severe pain and shortening of the limb.

5. Oedema: There is severe swelling around and below the fracture site as a result of effusion of blood into the surrounding tissues. Oedema could also be due to inflammatory reaction from the injury.

6. Crepitation: Crepitation is heard or felt as the patient attempts to move the affected part or on palpation. This is due to the bone fragments rubbing against one another.

7. Paralysis: Paralysis of the affected part may occur if the broken bone end pierces the nerve supplying the part. For example if the broken bone of the femur hits the femoral nerve there is going to be paralysis of the leg. Fracture to the forearm could lead to bone fragment piercing the radial nerve and subsequently paralysis of the forearm and the hand.

8. Discoloration: Discoloration of the site occurs as a result of the effusion of blood under the skin. This is referred to as ecchymosis.

Diagnosis of fracture
1. Presenting signs and symptoms: Signs and symptoms such as Crepitation, shortening, outward or inward rotations are diagnostic.
2. X-ray: This will reveal part of the bone that is broken.

Joseph Ezie Efoghor is a Registered Nurse and Safety Officer. To get more of his write-ups, visit http://www.africannursesforum.com/blog

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What Are the Causes of Calf Muscle Spasms?

What Are the Causes of Calf Muscle Spasms? Involuntary Muscle Spasms :

Muscle spasm, also known as muscle cramps, can happen to any of us. We are all candidates for it so we must be careful. Calf muscle spasms are very painful. It is the involuntary contraction of your muscles in the calf due to many reasons. We must know this reason so that we can prevent ourselves from experiencing a very excruciating pain from muscle cramps.

What Are the Causes of Calf Muscle Spasms?

To be clear, muscle cramps can affect any muscle or muscle group. But most of the time, muscles in the thigh, feet and calf are affected. Muscle cramp in the calf is also called "Charley horse". To prevent yourself from experiencing muscle cramps, you can take note of these safety precautions:

o Always stretch before any activities. Whether it is participating in a new sport or exercise, always stretch. Stretching your muscles helps a lot because they prepare your muscle for stress. Sudden application of stress to your muscles causes fatigue and it may result to cramps.

o Take it easy with new activities. If you have been practicing a sedentary lifestyle and you decide to participate in a new sport, remind yourself to take it easy. We get it, you are excited. But this sudden stress applied to your muscles makes your muscles tired. If the activity is prolonged, you might experience the cramps while you are still doing the activity. Make the change gradual to prevent calf cramps.

o Drink lots of water. Keeping yourself hydrated at all times is the key to preventing dehydration-induced calf muscle cramps.

o Check your electrolytes. Your electrolytes send the messages to your muscle. If they are not at a normal level, they may not function properly. Because they are your messenger to your muscles, your muscles might not function at it's full potential too. This can also be a risk factor for muscle cramps.

o Eat healthy! Eating leafy vegetable, fruits, fish, dairy products, eggs, peanuts, and grains provide calcium, magnesium and potassium. These minerals, when lacking in our body can also cause muscle cramps.

If you are already experiencing the pain, then try these tips to alleviate the signs and symptoms.

o If you feel that you are about to have cramps, stop what your doing. Proceeding with the activity will only intensify the pain. Sit down and relax. The pain will eventually go away after a few minutes. After that, minimize the activity that you will do.

o Massage. Massage the affected area. Massaging it will increase the blood flow to the muscle that is having cramps.

o Apply hot and/or cold packs. The hot packs will increase the blood flow to the affected area while the cold packs will alleviate the pain from the muscle cramps.

Lam Seina is an Author living in Sydney, Australia. He is interested in reading and creating websites. His latest website is about Adelaide car audio and finding the best Adelaide Car Audio Installation on the web today.

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Causes and Treatments of Muscle Spasm

Causes and Treatments of Muscle Spasm Involuntary Muscle Spasms :

Most people at some point in their lives experience an acute or chronic muscle spasm in response to things like pain, muscle strain, inflammation, symptoms of disease, or dehydration. The causes of a single or sustained spasm are many, but the response is typically the same. Let us consider for a moment how spasms occur, and the ways that spasms can be treated or prevented.

Causes and Treatments of Muscle Spasm

A muscle spasm is an involuntary muscular contraction that is the result of some form of tissue distress. If you strain a muscle by lifting a heavy object or twisting while carrying a load, or overstress a particular muscle through repetitive motion - something like carpal tunnel syndrome, for instance - the associated inflammation can contribute to spasms and associated pain, weakness, and instability in that muscle group.

Muscle spasms are possible due to a number of unique conditions in the body. Poor diet and dehydration may surface as nocturnal leg cramps that affect the calves. Victims of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, gastric reflux, tetanus, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, and stroke can experience debilitating spasms as part of their disease process. Malnutrition during alcoholism can contribute to permanent nerve damage called neuropathy that manifests as spasmodic episodes.

In addition to overexertion experienced by athletes and workers alike, other potential contributors to spasms include vomiting, pregnancy, exposure to poison, reactions to certain drugs, and trauma. There are also two forms of dystonia - in effect, a brain deficiency - that can be a primary or secondary cause of muscle spasm, either acquired as part of another condition or inherited from a parent.

Depending on the muscle group, these spasms have varying degrees of severity. For example, a leg cramp or neck cramp caused by overexertion or poor posture is certainly different from a heart attack, but they are essentially the same response. In both cases, an overstressed muscle reacts to excessive stress with inflammation, contraction, and pain. They all, however, have similar characteristics.

The muscle tissue may feel hard to the touch or knotted and the sustained contraction may generate a dull or intense pain that can last for seconds or hours. A key factor to consider in recovering from such a spasm is that stretching the muscle and exercising or staying mobile will promote healing in two ways.

First, sensible and cautious activity will prevent muscle atrophy that further weakens the tissue over time if the muscle group is not stimulated. Second, increased blood flow to the injured area will bring vital nutrients to the tissues to help them heal more quickly.

So, how does one treat a muscle spasm? In general, spasms that are sudden and episodic or caused by hyperflexion or overexertion are remedied with rest, stretching or flexing the affected muscles, massage, or anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs. Using these techniques, sufferers usually experience relief and gradual strengthening of muscles within minutes or a few hours, with the exception of lower back pain or more serious strains that may take days to heal.

If these spasms persist beyond a week or two, a visit to your local doctor may be necessary to pinpoint the root cause or investigate a more serious condition that may be developing

PainFree Healthcare Limited is the Sole distributor of PainWave™ products, Helping you deal with pain and getting relief, naturally.To explore our range of Muscle pain spasm solutions further, please visit our website at http://www.painfreehealthcare.co.uk

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Back Pain Muscle Spasms

Back Pain Muscle Spasms Involuntary Muscle Spasms :

Back pain will always be a cause of worry to many and it is usually as a result of any type of injury in the back. In normal circumstances, the body mechanism will attempt to protect the damaged back from injury, an action normally which is involuntary. Muscle spasms occur when the muscle fibers contract as a reaction to the inflammation caused by the injury.

Back Pain Muscle Spasms

These spasms may give a sharp pain around the area of injury reason being the contraction of the muscles will always result in tremendous muscle tightening. These muscles problems are normally treated in the traditional way assuming there is no serious injury to the spinal cord or the vertebrae. When one suffers from these back pains, treatment the traditional way may be a good way to go about it though it is also wise to consult a doctor.

Back Pain Muscle Spasms will usually bring about pain in the arms and legs. One will also feel weak and numb when this condition is faced. Some people suffering from this condition will also suffer from sleeplessness, fever and weight loss. Keeping up with daily routine may ply an important role in the healing process. Lying in bed all the time may not be as useful as many people will tend to think or recommend. It is not as easy as it was before injury, but it helps in the healing process.

Using ice is another important way in keeping the spasms at bay as it fights the inflammation in the injured area. After use of the ice, it is recommended to use hot water after three days for the complete healing process. Massage is also recommended after the treatment process of Back Pain Muscle Spasms.

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Back Pain. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here BACK PAIN If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!

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Vaginismus Or Muscle Spasm on Penetration - Vaginal Spasm Makes Sexual Intercourse Impossible

Vaginismus Or Muscle Spasm on Penetration - Vaginal Spasm Makes Sexual Intercourse Impossible Involuntary Muscle Spasms :

Vaginismus or vaginal muscle spasm on penetration makes sex impossible. You may have noticed that I have not used the term "fidget" to describe any female sexual dysfunction. I have not because I consider such a term to be a judgemental pejorative belonging to an earlier era of sexual repression. It may have been applied however to, among other things, muscular spasm to the vaginal entrance preventing intercourse. Today this is called 'vaginismus' and it can put a real strain on your daily life, as well as your sex life. Indeed it can spiral into a major problem you feel you'll never find a cure for. It can make a woman feel utterly inadequate and miserable. Her sex partner also will often incorrectly blame himself and this can make matters even worse.

Vaginismus Or Muscle Spasm on Penetration - Vaginal Spasm Makes Sexual Intercourse Impossible

If that happens to you, it is very easy to feel that no one fully understands what you are going through, or is prepared to take your vaginismus seriously. Searching for a quick fix for your problem, it is likely you will consider the many pills, exercises and vaginal dilators available both online, and in some cases, as a prescription via your GP.

Vaginismus is defined as the involuntary contractions or spasm of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening causing pain and preventing penetration. In its more severe forms, the tensing may also extend to muscles of the inner thigh and abdomen.

Vaginismus may be either primary or secondary. Primary vaginismus is where the woman has had the problem from the very first attempt at intercourse. In this case there is often a background of strict religious orthodoxy where sex is depicted as 'dirty' or sinful or simply as painful and as something that has to be endured to please men.

Secondary vaginismus on the other hand is the situation where the woman once enjoyed sex to the full but, because of some traumatic experience like a rape or very difficult childbirth, developed vaginismus as a result of that assault.

Treatment consists of (a) relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor and vaginal opening through specific relaxation exercised and (b) gentle and graded dilatation of the vagina using finger(s) and specially graded vaginal dilators known as boogies. Remember that practically all vaginismus is curable but it does take time and some effort. There is no quick fix.

Attending a skilled sex councilor is often the best way forwards.

Dr Andrew Rynne.

http://www.doctorrynne.com

Dr Andrew Rynne is a medical practitioner and writer. He has thirty years experience in treating Sexual Dysfunction in men and women. His website supports online consultations.

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