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What Causes Involuntary Muscle Spasms In The Legs At Night?

Posted on Mon, 21 Aug 2017

Question: I have involuntary muscle spasms in my legs at night.. What is causing these? I do take magnesium and the Doctor said to take a muscle relaxer at night before I go to bed. Nothing seems to be helping. I do get relief from using a heating pad. I also have very bad lower back problems and get "facet" injections once a year for that, which help...could my lower back problem be the cause of these awful leg spasms?
I am losing sleep and very concerned about this..can you help me?

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Leg spasms is due to [Degenerative Spinal Disorders]

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question on HCM

I do understand your concern

With such a presentation in my clinic, I would first rule out Degenerative Spinal Disorders and for it you are already under treatment by your doctor. So take medication as per your treating Doctor's advice but regarding medication in this situation please talk with your doctor to add [gabapentin] and course of oral steroid time to time despite taking injections.

Regarding exercise you need the help of a physiotherapist and for it do [ultrasound] therapy. Use hot and cold massage at home every two hours at night. Try to maintain a healthy weight by diet restriction because excess weight puts more pressure on the spine and disks.

Finally i may say that your leg muscle spasm is due to your back problem but not reverse as mentioned by you.

Hope that helps

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (47 minutes later)

Thank you Dr Sahoo, that makes sense to me and I will talk with my Primary care Doctor and my Orthopedic Doctor. I was wondering if there is a test that can really look at the situation and pin point the trouble. I will ask about the med you suggest ed. Again..... thank you. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. U N Sahoo (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Leg spasms is due to [Degenerative Spinal Disorders]

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your quick follow up reply

“As” per your query discuss with your treating doctor about these tests[MRI,MYELOGRAM & ELECTROMYOGRAMS] and this will pinpoint exact location and which nerve is involved.

Thanks

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T