Muscle cramps can be caused by a lack of potassium, calcium, magnesium, choline, or vitamin D in the diet. Diuretic medications that are often prescribed for high blood pressure can also deplete these minerals. Choline is an important part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for sending messages between nerve cells and muscles. Acetylcholine is the key physiological link that causes our muscles to contract, and medications that interfere with this messaging system can have serious side effects such as paralysis and seizures.
Calcium and magnesium are essential for muscle contraction and relaxation. To initiate a muscle contraction, calcium is used, while magnesium is needed for a muscle to relax. Calcium deficiency or magnesium deficiency can cause muscle spasms. Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency can include muscle aches and fatigue.
Low iron levels can lead to anemia, which is characterized by pale skin and fatigue. Magnesium deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, abnormal heart rhythms, and even seizures. Research has shown that a very severe vitamin D deficiency can reduce muscle mass and increase muscle weakness. This report examines the association between vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and chronic neck and back pain and muscle spasms, as well as the role of correcting vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in the treatment of chronic pain and muscle spasms in the neck and back.
