However, the voluntary muscles may experience a more prolonged contraction rather than periods of relaxation.  They can move involuntarily instead of relaxing and contracting for short intervals.  When this happens and your muscles contract for long time periods, you can end up with an exhausting and painful muscle cramp. Unfortunately, muscles cramps can often occur on a frequent basis.

This can be a particularly troublesome condition if you are unable to perform your job properly because of continuous or painful muscle contractions. Professionals who are more likely to suffer from muscle problems include office workers who normally remain seated for long periods, construction workers and athletes.  Muscle cramps can greatly affect their job productivity.

Problems Associated with Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can also cause tingling, muscle itch, tics, paresthesia and paralysis. In addition, other possible symptoms that accompany muscle cramps include dry mouth, pericardial effusion, disorientation, rapid heartbeat or regurgitation. Various parts of your body can be affected by muscle cramps from your ankles to your neck.  This is why it is often difficult to locate the specific area of the original problem that caused the cramps.

Cause of Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can be caused by an injury to the muscle, a loss of salt, a muscle spasm, an imbalance of electrolytes, exercise or over exertion when performing certain activities or tasks or excessive sweating.  Other possible causes of muscle cramps include certain bacterial or viral infections, circulation problems, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, thyroid disease or diabetes.

Treatment for Muscle Cramps

Doctors normally prescribe muscle relaxants such as Soma, skelaxin or cyclobezaprine for individuals who are suffering from muscle spasms.  Home remedies such as apple cider vinegar or remediation to pressure points, massage or performing relaxation exercises may also alleviate muscle cramps.  You can also prevent muscle cramps by eating nutrient rich food such as vitamin C, protein, calcium and magnesium.

Soma is often prescribed to treat severe musculo-skeletal pain in combination with physical therapy, rest and additional pain relief strategies. However, you may not be able to take Soma if you have an allergic reaction to any related compounds such as carisoprodol meprobamate or if you suffer from acute porphyria.

Just like any medication, there are some risks associated with taking Soma.  For example, Soma has sedative properties that may cause impairment.  Therefore, patients should not operate any type of machinery or drive any type of motor vehicle while first taking Soma.

You may also become addicted to Soma, especially if you have suffered from drug abuse previously.  Additional possible side effects of taking the drug include agitation, disorientation, dizziness, confusion, temporary vision loss or severe weakness.  In most cases, the symptoms will disappear after a few hours.

If you are a woman who is breastfeeding or pregnant, you should not take Soma.  The effects have not yet been proven.  Studies have also revealed that breast milk contains a concentration of Soma that is 2 to 4 times higher than maternal plasma.  As a result, anyone who is nursing should not take Soma.

A small percentage of patients who have previously suffered seizure disorders and those without any history of such problems have had seizures when taking Soma.  If you have decreased kidney or liver function, you should be very careful; Soma is metabolized and excreted by your kidneys.  You may also suffer from side effects such as facial flushing, vomiting, insomnia, vertigo, dizziness, syncope, nausea and tachycardia.

A Soma overdose can cause depression of the central nervous system.  This can result in a rupture, coma, convulsions, shock or respiratory depression, and in extreme cases, even death.  Therefore, if you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention: euphoria, confusion, headaches, respiratory depression, blurred vision, muscle rigidity or incoordination or tachycardia.