Muscle cramps range in intensity from a slight tic to agonizing pain. A cramp can last a few seconds to 15 minutes or longer. It might recur multiple times before it goes away. A regular program of stretching lengthens muscle fibers so they can contract and tighten more vigorously when you exercise. When your body is poorly conditioned, you are more likely to experience muscle fatigue, which can alter spinal neural reflex activity.
Overexertion depletes a muscle s oxygen supply, leading to build up of waste product and spasm.
When a cramp begins, the spinal cord stimulates the muscle to keep contracting. Loss of these nutrients may also cause a muscle to spasm. Just about everyone will experience a muscle cramp sometime in life. It can happen while you play tennis or golf, bowl, swim or do any exercise. It can also happen while you sit, walk or even just sleep.