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Back and arms Muscle spasms Recurrent Since childhood “Frequent muscle cramps/spasms in back and arms, history of kidney stones”
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Bone and Orthopedic Conditions
Question #21956
186 days ago
356

Back and arms Muscle spasms Recurrent Since childhood “Frequent muscle cramps/spasms in back and arms, history of kidney stones”

Sumon

I am 29 years old. I have recurrent muscle spasms about 5–10 times a month, mainly in my back and arms. It started since I was 13 after a fever and kidney stones. Sometimes my back and arms feel stiff and heavy during spasms. I have not visited a doctor recently. I want advice on possible causes and next steps.

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Doctors' responses

Hello Sumon Thanks for sharing these details. Recurrent muscle spasms in your back and arms, especially with stiffness and heaviness, can have several possible causes. Since this started after a fever and kidney stones at age 13 and has been ongoing for years, here are some likely possibilities:

Possible Causes - Electrolyte Imbalance: Low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium can cause muscle spasms, especially if you have a history of kidney issues. - Nerve-Related Issues: Sometimes, nerve compression or irritation in the spine or arms can lead to spasms and stiffness. - Muscle Fatigue or Overuse: Repetitive strain or poor posture can also cause these symptoms. - Chronic Conditions: Rarely, conditions like dystonia or other neurological disorders can present this way, but these are less common.

Next Steps 1. Blood Tests: It’s important to check your blood levels for calcium, magnesium, potassium, and kidney function. 2. Hydration: Make sure you’re drinking enough water, especially if you have a history of kidney stones. 3. See a Doctor: A neurologist or general physician can examine you and may suggest further tests like nerve studies or imaging if needed. 4. Track Symptoms: Note when spasms happen, what triggers them, and if anything relieves them.

Thank you and get well soon

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Muscle spasms and stiffness can be frustrating, and given your history and recurring nature since childhood, it’s important to explore possible factors contributing to these symptoms. Several conditions could be at play here, so addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effective management. Firstly, a recurring history of kidney stones suggests you might have a mineral imbalance, particularly with calcium or magnesium, which can contribute to muscle spasms. Electrolyte imbalances, such as low magnesium or potassium, can lead to increased excitability of the nerves and muscles, causing cramps or spasms. Simple blood tests can help to evaluate these levels and address any deficiencies through diet modification or supplementation.

Additionally, since your symptoms began after a fever and have persisted since, it’s worth considering whether an infection or an inflammatory condition might have affected your muscles or nerves originally. Though less likely, conditions like fibromyalgia or even a post-viral syndrome could be factors worth investigating. Another aspect to consider is your hydration status and general physical activity levels. Dehydration is a common trigger for muscle cramps, so ensuring adequate fluid intake daily is paramount. Stretching exercises, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet are also supportive measures.

Given these possibilities and their complexity, it would be good to consult with a healthcare provider, ideally a general practitioner or neurologist. They may want to do a thorough physical exam and review your medical history. Depending on the findings, they might recommend testing for electrolyte levels, or perhaps an EMG or nerve conduction study if nerve involvement is suspected. If there’s any concern around an ongoing inflammatory or autoimmune condition, more specialized tests may be warranted. In the meantime, keeping a log of your symptoms, what might trigger them, and any relieving factors can be helpful information to share with your physician. While self-care can offer temporary relief, a professional evaluation will provide a clearer understanding of the next steps for your condition.

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Recurrent muscle spasms with stiffness since adolescence can be due to electrolyte imbalances (calcium, magnesium, potassium), vitamin D deficiency, dehydration, nerve or muscle disorders, or less commonly post-infectious or metabolic causes—especially given your history of fever and kidney stones. Many of these are treatable once identified, but they need proper evaluation rather than guesswork. Please consult a neurologist or physician for examination and basic blood tests (electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, kidney function) so the cause can be identified and managed correctly.

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Hello,

Recurrent muscle spasms since childhood can be due to electrolyte imbalance (low magnesium, calcium, or potassium), dehydration, vitamin D deficiency, muscle overuse/posture issues, or rarely nerve or metabolic problems.

Your history of kidney stones increases the chance of calcium or magnesium imbalance, which commonly causes cramps.

🛑Get basic blood tests: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin D, Kidney function (RFT)

Drink adequate water daily (very important with stone history)

Ensure diet rich in magnesium & potassium (banana, nuts, leafy greens)

Gentle stretching of back and arms daily

🛑Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol

Kindly See a doctor (physician or neurologist)in person if spasms worsen, become painful, cause weakness, or if blood tests are abnormal.

Need evaluation

Kindly do these tests and either revert or do follow up with your nearest physician

I trust this helps Thank you !

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Hi Sumon,

Possible Causes:

· Electrolyte Imbalance – Low calcium/magnesium/potassium, often linked to kidney stones. · Kidney Function Issues – Recurrent stones may disrupt mineral balance, triggering spasms. · Chronic Dehydration – Can worsen stones and muscle cramps. · Post-infection Effects – Fever at onset may have impacted nerves or metabolism.

Next Steps:

1. Consult a Urologist/Nephrologist – Prioritize for kidney stone and spasm evaluation. 2. Get Tests Done – Blood (electrolytes, kidney function) and urine analysis. 3. Imaging – Ultrasound/CT to check for current kidney stones. 4. Hydration & Diet – Increase water intake, limit salt/oxalate-rich foods, consider electrolyte supplements if advised.

Act Now – Recurrent spasms with kidney history need prompt checkup.

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan, Urologist

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Your long-standing, recurrent muscle spasms are most likely due to a chronic neuromuscular or metabolic issue, such as electrolyte imbalance (especially low magnesium or calcium), muscle fatigue, dehydration, or nerve irritation that may have started after your earlier illness. The fact that this has been stable for many years without progression makes a serious neurological disease less likely. However, because the spasms are recurrent and involve stiffness and heaviness, a medical evaluation is advisable to identify correctable causes. Basic blood tests (electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, kidney function) and a clinical examination are the next appropriate steps. With proper diagnosis and treatment, these spasms are usually manageable and not dangerous.

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Hello dear See you are quite young. I think the spasm are related with muscle stiffness due to inactivity or there can be chances of ankylosing spondylitis. Even in anemia and osteoporosis,the condition occurs. I suggest you to please get following tests done and do regular exercise for preventing muscle fatigue Serum tsh Serum vitamin d 3 Serum calcium Serum iron Esr CBC Rft Lft Crp Hla b 27 Please share the result with general physician medicine or orthopedic surgeon for better clarity In addition please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician only Do small excess like Stretching Brisk walk for 30 minutes Small weight lifting 1-2 kg dumbles Yoga Hopefully you recover soon Regards

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