Not all cramps are the same. They can occur throughout the body from your fingers to your toes and even your internal organs. Of course the muscle cramps we talk about here are those that occur in your muscles. They are most common in your arms and legs, as well as your back. Muscle cramps like these are characterized by a tightening or over excitement of the muscle which leads to pain and even temporary immobility.

Muscle cramps are commonly caused by dehydration. Fluid loss through perspiration when working out or working outside can lead to this dehydration. This is one of several reasons it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. They can be a precursor to heat stroke and serve as a warning sign to you that you need to hydrate and cool off.

Muscle cramps can also come from muscle fatigue or injury. Sometimes if you work your muscles too hard, they will cramp up. Similarly, occasionally cramps will occur as your muscles try to compensate or protect an injury, like a broken bone. This is commonly seen when muscles in the back spasm due to inflammation around a ruptured or bulging disc.

Vitamin deficiencies and some prescription medications can also lead to muscle cramps. Taking a good multivitamin and being aware of the side effects of your prescriptions can ward off these types of cramps.

For additional types of muscle cramps and several more causes, check out this great detailed article from the MedicineNet.com. Some of the best prevention for muscle cramps comes from hydration and muscle conditioning. Don’t forget to warm up and cool down before your workouts, and always make stretching a part of your fitness routines. Here’s some additional reading on how much water is enough and some good stretching information from the Mayo Clinic.

What causes muscle spasms can be as simple as a quick turn, catching your muscles off guard. Similar to a cramp, muscle spasms involve a quick tightening of the muscle, often when you least expect it. These fast spasms can send a jolt of pain through your body, making you wince and grimace.

Muscle spasms can also be caused by an injury. When inflammation surrounds an injury within the body, it can often trigger muscle spasms. These often last longer than the fast appearing cramps as discussed above and can create tightness and swelling for several days. What causes muscle spasms like this is the swelling around an injury.

Another explanation for what causes muscle spasms is neurological possibilities. Things like strokes and metabolic disorders can affect the way muscle respond to signals from the brain, involuntarily contracting muscles at random times.

Regardless of what causes muscle spasms, they can be quite painful. If you experience muscle spasms that last longer than a day or so and involve severe pain, you should visit your physician. Sometimes a serious condition like a ruptured spinal disc can create spasms. In cases like this, muscle spasms are a warning sign of something more serious.

Simple muscle spasms arising from cramps or quick movements can often be massaged away. Try taking down any inflammation with a ice and resting the affected area.