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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 1:18 pm
Source: Healthline Muscle Spasms and Cramping Definition Muscle spasms and cramps are spontaneous, often painful muscle contractions. Description Most people are familiar with the sudden pain of a muscle cramp. The rapid, uncontrolled contraction, or spasm, happens unexpectedly, with either no stimulation or some trivially small one. The muscle contraction and pain last for several minutes, and then slowly ease. Cramps may affect any muscle, but are most common in the calves, feet, and hands. While painful, they are harmless, and in most cases, not related to any underlying disorder. Nonetheless, cramps and spasms can be manifestations of many neurological or muscular diseases. The terms cramp and spasm can be somewhat vague, and they are sometimes used to include types of abnormal muscle activity other than sudden painful contraction. These include stiffness at rest, slow muscle relaxation, and spontaneous contractions of a muscle at rest (fasciculation). Fasciculation is a type of painless muscle spasm, marked by rapid, uncoordinated contraction of many small muscle fibers. A critical part of diagnosis is to distinguish these different meanings and to allow the patient to describe the problem as precisely as possible. Causes and symptoms Causes Normal voluntary muscle contraction begins when electrical signals are sent from the brain through the spinal cord along nerve cells called motor neurons. These include both the upper motor neurons within the brain and the lower motor neurons within the spinal cord and leading out to the muscle. At the muscle, chemicals released by the motor neuron stimulate the internal release of calcium ions from stores within the muscle cell. These calcium ions then interact with muscle proteins within the cell, causing the proteins (actin and myosin) to slide past one another. This motion pulls their fixed ends closer, thereby shortening the cell and, ultimately, the muscle itself. Recapture of calcium and unlinking of actin and myosin allows the muscle fiber to relax. Abnormal contraction may be caused by abnormal activity at any stage in this process. Certain mechanisms within the brain and the rest of the central nervous system help regulate contraction. Interruption of these mechanisms can cause spasm. Motor neurons that are overly sensitive may fire below their normal thresholds. The muscle membrane itself may be over-sensitive, causing contraction without stimulation. Calcium ions may not be recaptured quickly enough, causing prolonged contraction. Interuption of brain mechanisms and overly sensitive motor neurons may result from damage to the nerve pathways. Possible causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, neurodegenerative diseases, trauma, spinal cord injury, and nervous system poisons such as strychnine, tetanus, and certain insecticides. Nerve damage may lead to a prolonged or permanent muscle shortening called contracture. Changes in muscle responsiveness may be due to or associated with: * Prolonged exercise. Curiously, relaxation of a muscle actually requires energy to be expended. The energy is used to recapture calcium and to unlink actin and myosin. Normally, sensations of pain and fatigue signal that it is time to rest. Ignoring or overriding those warning signals can lead to such severe energy depletion that the muscle cannot be relaxed, causing a cramp. The familiar advice about not swimming after a heavy meal, when blood flow is directed away from the muscles, is intended to avoid this type of cramp. Rigor mortis, the stiffness of a corpse within the first 24 hours after death, is also due to this phenomenon. (!!!) * Dehydration and salt depletion. This may be brought on by protracted vomiting or diarrhea, or by copious sweating during prolonged exercise, especially in high temperatures. Loss of fluids and salts- especially sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium- can disrupt ion balances in both muscle and nerves. This can prevent them from responding and recovering normally, and can lead to cramp. * Metabolic disorders that affect the energy supply in muscle. These are inherited diseases in which particular muscle enzymes are deficient. They include deficiencies of myophosphorylase (McArdle's disease), phosphorylase b kinase, phosphofructokinase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase. * Myotonia. This causes stiffness due to delayed relaxation of the muscle, but does not cause the spontaneous contraction usually associated with cramps. However, many patients with myotonia do experience cramping from exercise. Symptoms of myotonia are often worse in the cold. Myotonias include myotonic dystrophy, myotonia congenita, paramyotonia congenita, and neuromyotonia. Fasciculations may be due to fatigue, cold, medications, metabolic disorders, nerve damage, or neurodegenerative disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Most people experience brief, mild fasciculations from time to time, usually in the calves. Symptoms The pain of a muscle cramp is intense, localized, and often debilitating. Coming on quickly, it may last for minutes and fade gradually. Contractures develop more slowly, over days or weeks, and may be permanent if untreated. Fasciculations may occur at rest or after muscle contraction, and may last several minutes. Diagnosis Abnormal contractions are diagnosed through a careful medical history, physical and neurological examination, and electromyography of the affected muscles. Electromyography records electrical activity in the muscle during rest and movement. Treatment Most cases of simple cramps require no treatment other than patience and stretching. Gently and gradually stretching and massaging the affected muscle may ease the pain and hasten recovery. More prolonged or regular cramps may be treated with drugs such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or quinine. Fluid and salt replacement, either orally or intravenously, is used to treat dehydration. Treatment of underlying metabolic or neurologic disease, where possible, may help relieve symptoms. Alternative treatment Cramps may be treated or prevented with Gingko (Ginkgo biloba) or Japanese quince (Chaenomeles speciosa). Supplements of vitamin E, niacin, calcium, and magnesium may also help. Taken at bedtime, they may help to reduce the likelihood of night cramps. Prognosis Occasional cramps are common, and have no special medical significance. Prevention The likelihood of developing cramps may be reduced by eating a healthy diet with appropriate levels of minerals, and getting regular exercise to build up energy reserves in muscle.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 8:06 pm
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fact Sheet What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons. Motor neurons are nerve cells located in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord that serve as controlling units and vital communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of the body. Messages from motor neurons in the brain (called upper motor neurons) are transmitted to motor neurons in the spinal cord (called lower motor neurons) and from them to particular muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weaken, waste away (atrophy), and twitch (fasciculations) . Eventually, the ability of the brain to start and control voluntary movement is lost. ALS causes weakness with a wide range of disabilities (see section titled "What are the symptoms?"). Eventually, all muscles under voluntary control are affected, and patients lose their strength and the ability to move their arms, legs, and body. When muscles in the diaphragm and chest wall fail, patients lose the ability to breathe without ventilatory support. Most people with ALS die from respiratory failure, usually within 3 to 5 years from the onset of symptoms. However, about 10 percent of ALS patients survive for 10 or more years. Although the disease usually does not impair a person's mind or intelligence, several recent studies suggest that some ALS patients may have alterations in cognitive functions such as depression and probems with decision-making and memory. ALS does not affect a person's ability to see, smell, taste, hear, or recognize touch. Patients usually maintain control of eye muscles and bladder and bowel functions. Who gets ALS? As many as 20,000 Americans have ALS, and an estimated 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the disease each year. ALS is one of the most common neuromuscular diseases worldwide, and people of all races and ethnic backgrounds are affected. ALS most commonly strikes people between 40 and 60 years of age, but younger and older people also can develop the disease. Men are affected more often than women. In 90 to 95 percent of all ALS cases, the disease occurs apparently at random with no clearly associated risk factors. Patients do not have a family history of the disease, and their family members are not considered to be at increased risk for developing ALS. About 5 to 10 percent of all ALS cases are inherited. The familial form of ALS usually results from a pattern of inheritance that requires only one parent to carry the gene responsible for the disease. About 20 percent of all familial cases result from a specific genetic defect that leads to mutation of the enzyme known as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Research on this mutation is providing clues about the possible causes of motor neuron death in ALS. Not all familial ALS cases are due to the SOD1 mutation, therefore other unidentified genetic causes clearly exist. What are the symptoms? The onset of ALS may be so subtle that the symptoms are frequently overlooked. The earliest symptoms may include twitching, cramping, or stiffness of muscles; muscle weakness affecting an arm or a leg; slurred and nasal speech; or difficulty chewing or swallowing. These general complaints then develop into more obvious weakness or atrophy that may cause a physician to suspect ALS. The parts of the body affected by early symptoms of ALS depend on which muscles in the body are damaged first. In some cases, symptoms initially affect one of the legs, and patients experience awkwardness when walking or running or they notice that they are tripping or stumbling more often. Some patients first see the effects of the disease on a hand or arm as they experience difficulty with simple tasks requiring manual dexterity such as buttoning a shirt, writing, or turning a key in a lock. Other patients notice speech problems. Regardless of the part of the body first affected by the disease, muscle weakness and atrophy spread to other parts of the body as the disease progresses. Patients have increasing problems with moving, swallowing (dysphagia), and speaking or forming words (dysarthria). Symptoms of upper motor neuron involvement include tight and stiff muscles (spasticity) and exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia) including an overactive gag reflex. An abnormal reflex commonly called Babinski's sign (the large toe extends upward as the sole of the foot is stimulated in a certain way) also indicates upper motor neuron damage. Symptoms of lower motor neuron degeneration include muscle weakness and atrophy, muscle cramps, and fleeting twitches of muscles that can be seen under the skin (fasciculations). To be diagnosed with ALS, patients must have signs and symptoms of both upper and lower motor neuron damage that cannot be attributed to other causes. Although the sequence of emerging symptoms and the rate of disease progression vary from person to person, eventually patients will not be able to stand or walk, get in or out of bed on their own, or use their hands and arms. Difficulty swallowing and chewing impair the patient's ability to eat normally and increase the risk of choking. Maintaining weight will then become a problem. Because the disease usually does not affect cognitive abilities, patients are aware of their progressive loss of function and may become anxious and depressed. A small percentage of patients may experience problems with memory or decision-making, and there is growing evidence that some may even develop a form of dementia. Health care professionals need to explain the course of the disease and describe available treatment options so that patients can make informed decisions in advance. In later stages of the disease, patients have difficulty breathing as the muscles of the respiratory system weaken. Patients eventually lose the ability to breathe on their own and must depend on ventilatory support for survival. Patients also face an increased risk of pneumonia during later stages of ALS. How is ALS diagnosed? No one test can provide a definitive diagnosis of ALS, although the presence of upper and lower motor neuron signs in a single limb is strongly suggestive. Instead, the diagnosis of ALS is primarily based on the symptoms and signs the physician observes in the patient and a series of tests to rule out other diseases. Physicians obtain the patient's full medical history and usually conduct a neurologic examination at regular intervals to assess whether symptoms such as muscle weakness, atrophy of muscles, hyperreflexia, and spasticity are getting progressively worse. Because symptoms of ALS can be similar to those of a wide variety of other, more treatable diseases or disorders, appropriate tests must be conducted to exclude the possibility of other conditions. One of these tests is electromyography (EMG), a special recording technique that detects electrical activity in muscles. Certain EMG findings can support the diagnosis of ALS. Another common test measures nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Specific abnormalities in the NCV results may suggest, for example, that the patient has a form of peripheral neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves) or myopathy (muscle disease) rather than ALS. The physician may order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a noninvasive procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. Although these MRI scans are often normal in patients with ALS, they can reveal evidence of other problems that may be causing the symptoms, such as a spinal cord tumor, a herniated disk in the neck, syringomyelia, or cervical spondylosis. Based on the patient's symptoms and findings from the examination and from these tests, the physician may order tests on blood and urine samples to eliminate the possibility of other diseases as well as routine laboratory tests. In some cases, for example, if a physician suspects that the patient may have a myopathy rather than ALS, a muscle biopsy may be performed. Infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV), and Lyme disease can in some cases cause ALS-like symptoms. Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, multifocal motor neuropathy, and spinal muscular atrophy also can mimic certain facets of the disease and should be considered by physicians attempting to make a diagnosis. Because of the prognosis carried by this diagnosis and the variety of diseases or disorders that can resemble ALS in the early stages of the disease, patients may wish to obtain a second neurological opinion. What causes ALS? The cause of ALS is not known, and scientists do not yet know why ALS strikes some people and not others. An important step toward answering that question came in 1993 when scientists supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) discovered that mutations in the gene that produces the SOD1 enzyme were associated with some cases of familial ALS. This enzyme is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules produced by cells during normal metabolism. If not neutralized, free radicals can accumulate and cause random damage to the DNA and proteins within cells. Although it is not yet clear how the SOD1 gene mutation leads to motor neuron degeneration, researchers have theorized that an accumulation of free radicals may result from the faulty functioning of this gene. In support of this, animal studies have shown that motor neuron degeneration and deficits in motor function accompany the presence of the SOD1 mutation. Studies also have focused on the role of glutamate in motor neuron degeneration. Glutamate is one of the chemical messengers or neurotransmitters in the brain. Scientists have found that, compared to healthy people, ALS patients have higher levels of glutamate in the serum and spinal fluid. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that neurons begin to die off when they are exposed over long periods to excessive amounts of glutamate. Now, scientists are trying to understand what mechanisms lead to a buildup of unneeded glutamate in the spinal fluid and how this imbalance could contribute to the development of ALS. Autoimmune responses—which occur when the body's immune system attacks normal cells—have been suggested as one possible cause for motor neuron degeneration in ALS. Some scientists theorize that antibodies may directly or indirectly impair the function of motor neurons, interfering with the transmission of signals between the brain and muscles. In searching for the cause of ALS, researchers have also studied environmental factors such as exposure to toxic or infectious agents. Other research has examined the possible role of dietary deficiency or trauma. However, as of yet, there is insufficient evidence to implicate these factors as causes of ALS. Future research may show that many factors, including a genetic predisposition, are involved in the development of ALS. How is ALS treated? No cure has yet been found for ALS. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first drug treatment for the disease—riluzole (Rilutek). Riluzole is believed to reduce damage to motor neurons by decreasing the release of glutamate. Clinical trials with ALS patients showed that riluzole prolongs survival by several months, mainly in those with difficulty swallowing. The drug also extends the time before a patient needs ventilation support. Riluzole does not reverse the damage already done to motor neurons, and patients taking the drug must be monitored for liver damage and other possible side effects. However, this first disease-specific therapy offers hope that the progression of ALS may one day be slowed by new medications or combinations of drugs. Other treatments for ALS are designed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. This supportive care is best provided by multidisciplinary teams of health care professionals such as physicians; pharmacists; physical, occupational, and speech therapists; nutritionists; social workers; and home care and hospice nurses. Working with patients and caregivers, these teams can design an individualized plan of medical and physical therapy and provide special equipment aimed at keeping patients as mobile and comfortable as possible. Physicians can prescribe medications to help reduce fatigue, ease muscle cramps, control spasticity, and reduce excess saliva and phlegm. Drugs also are available to help patients with pain, depression, sleep disturbances, and constipation. Pharmacists can give advice on the proper use of medications and monitor a patient's prescriptions to avoid risks of drug interactions. Physical therapy and special equipment can enhance patients' independence and safety throughout the course of ALS. Gentle, low-impact aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, and stationary bicycling can strengthen unaffected muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and help patients fight fatigue and depression. Range of motion and stretching exercises can help prevent painful spasticity and shortening (contracture) of muscles. Physical therapists can recommend exercises that provide these benefits without overworking muscles. Occupational therapists can suggest devices such as ramps, braces, walkers, and wheelchairs that help patients conserve energy and remain mobile. ALS patients who have difficulty speaking may benefit from working with a speech therapist. These health professionals can teach patients adaptive strategies such as techniques to help them speak louder and more clearly. As ALS progresses, speech therapists can help patients develop ways for responding to yes-or-no questions with their eyes or by other nonverbal means and can recommend aids such as speech synthesizers and computer-based communication systems. These methods and devices help patients communicate when they can no longer speak or produce vocal sounds. Patients and caregivers can learn from speech therapists and nutritionists how to plan and prepare numerous small meals throughout the day that provide enough calories, fiber, and fluid and how to avoid foods that are difficult to swallow. Patients may begin using suction devices to remove excess fluids or saliva and prevent choking. When patients can no longer get enough nourishment from eating, doctors may advise inserting a feeding tube into the stomach. The use of a feeding tube also reduces the risk of choking and pneumonia that can result from inhaling liquids into the lungs. The tube is not painful and does not prevent patients from eating food orally if they wish. When the muscles that assist in breathing weaken, use of nocturnal ventilatory assistance (intermittent positive pressure ventilation [IPPV] or bilevel positive airway pressure [BIPAP]) may be used to aid breathing during sleep. Such devices artificially inflate the patient's lungs from various external sources that are applied directly to the face or body. When muscles are no longer able to maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, these devices may be used full-time. Patients may eventually consider forms of mechanical ventilation (respirators) in which a machine inflates and deflates the lungs. To be effective, this may require a tube that passes from the nose or mouth to the windpipe (trachea) and for long-term use, an operation such as a tracheostomy, in which a plastic breathing tube is inserted directly in the patient's windpipe through an opening in the neck. Patients and their families should consider several factors when deciding whether and when to use one of these options. Ventilation devices differ in their effect on the patient's quality of life and in cost. Although ventilation support can ease problems with breathing and prolong survival, it does not affect the progression of ALS. Patients need to be fully informed about these considerations and the long-term effects of life without movement before they make decisions about ventilation support. Social workers and home care and hospice nurses help patients, families, and caregivers with the medical, emotional, and financial challenges of coping with ALS, particularly during the final stages of the disease. Social workers provide support such as assistance in obtaining financial aid, arranging durable power of attorney, preparing a living will, and finding support groups for patients and caregivers. Respiratory therapists can help caregivers with tasks such as operating and maintaining respirators, and home care nurses are available not only to provide medical care but also to teach caregivers about giving tube feedings and moving patients to avoid painful skin problems and contractures. Home hospice nurses work in consultation with physicians to ensure proper medication, pain control, and other care affecting the quality of life of patients who wish to remain at home. The home hospice team can also counsel patients and caregivers about end-of-life issues. What research is being done? The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health, is the Federal Government's leading supporter of biomedical research on ALS. The goals of this research are to find the cause or causes of ALS, understand the mechanisms involved in the progression of the disease, and develop effective treatment. Scientists are seeking to understand the mechanisms that trigger selective motor neurons to degenerate in ALS and to find effective approaches to halt the processes leading to cell death. This work includes studies in animals to identify the means by which SOD1 mutations lead to the destruction of neurons. The excessive accumulation of free radicals, which has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases including ALS, is also being closely studied. In addition, researchers are examining how the loss of neurotrophic factors may be involved in ALS. Neurotrophic factors are chemicals found in the brain and spinal cord that play a vital role in the development, specification, maintenance, and protection of neurons. Studying how these factors may be lost and how such a loss may contribute to motor neuron degeneration may lead to a greater understanding of ALS and the development of neuroprotective strategies. By exploring these and other possible factors, researchers hope to find the cause or causes of motor neuron degeneration in ALS and develop therapies to slow the progression of the disease. Researchers are also conducting investigations to increase their understanding of the role of programmed cell death or apoptosis in ALS. In normal physiological processes, apoptosis acts as a means to rid the body of cells that are no longer needed by prompting the cells to commit "cell suicide." The critical balance between necessary cell death and the maintenance of essential cells is thought to be controlled by trophic factors. In addition to ALS, apoptosis is pervasive in other chronic neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease and is thought to be a major cause of the secondary brain damage seen after stroke and trauma. Discovering what triggers apoptosis may eventually lead to therapeutic interventions for ALS and other neurological diseases. Scientists have not yet identified a reliable biological marker for ALS—a biochemical abnormality shared by all patients with the disease. Once such a biomarker is discovered and tests are developed to detect the marker in patients, allowing early detection and diagnosis of ALS, physicians will have a valuable tool to help them follow the effects of new therapies and monitor disease progression. NINDS-supported researchers are studying families with ALS who lack the SOD1 mutation to locate additional genes that cause the disease. Identification of additional ALS genes will allow genetic testing useful for diagnostic confirmation of ALS and prenatal screening for the disease. This work with familial ALS could lead to a greater understanding of sporadic ALS as well. Because familial ALS is virtually indistinguishable from sporadic ALS clinically, some researchers believe that familial ALS genes may also be involved in the manifestations of the more common sporadic form of ALS. Scientists also hope to identify genetic risk factors that predispose people to sporadic ALS. Potential therapies for ALS are being investigated in animal models. Some of this work involves experimental treatments with normal SOD1 and other antioxidants. In addition, neurotrophic factors are being studied for their potential to protect motor neurons from pathological degeneration. Investigators are optimistic that these and other basic research studies will eventually lead to treatments for ALS. How Can I Help Research? The NINDS contributes to the support of the Human Brain and Spinal Fluid Resource Center in Los Angeles. This bank supplies investigators around the world with tissue from patients with neurological and other disorders. Tissue from individuals with ALS is needed to enable scientists to study this disorder more intensely. Prospective donors may contact: Human Brain and Spinal Fluid Resource Center Neurology Research (127A) W. Los Angeles Healthcare Center 11301 Wilshire Blvd. Bldg. 212 Los Angeles, CA 90073 310-268-3536 24-hour pager: 310-636-5199 Email: RMNbbank@ucla.edu http://www.loni.ucla.edu/~nnrsb/NNRSB Where can I get more information? For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute's Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at: BRAIN P.O. Box 5801 Bethesda, MD 20824 (800) 352-9424 http://www.ninds.nih.gov Information also is available from the following organizations: ALS Association (ALSA) 27001 Agoura Road Suite 150 Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-5104 http://www.alsa.org Tel: 818-880-9007 800-782-4747 Fax: 818-880-9006 Les Turner ALS Foundation 8142 North Lawndale Avenue Skokie, IL 60076-3322 info@lesturnerals.org http://www.lesturnerals.org Tel: 888-ALS-1107 847-679-3311 Fax: 847-679-9109 Muscular Dystrophy Association 3300 East Sunrise Drive Tucson, AZ 85718-3208 mda@mdausa.org http://www.mda.org Tel: 520-529-2000 800-344-4863 Fax: 520-529-5300 Project ALS 900 Broadway Suite 901 New York, NY 10003 projectals@aol.com http://www.projectals.org Tel: 212-420-7382 800-603-0270 Fax: 212-420-7387
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 8:40 pm
Source: Wrongdiagnosis.com Possible Causes of Muscle Cramping The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Muscle cramps as a symptom. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your symptoms. Some causes of a simple muscle cramp include: * Exertion * Exercise * Muscle spasm (see Muscle spasms) * Electrolyte imbalance * Excessive perspiration * Loss of salt Infection - many infections cause muscle aches and pains. * Virus * Bacterial infection * Muscle injury * Muscle metabolism disorders * Dermatomyositis - cause multiple muscle cramps * Polymyositis - cramps in many muscles * Polymyalgia rheumatica * Diabetes - may cause muscle cramps if undiagnosed or poorly controlled * Diabetic ketoacidosis - muscle breakdown may cause muscle cramps * Rheumatoid arthritis * Thyroid disease * Circulatory disorders * Intermittent claudication - usually causing calf muscle pain * Tetanus Medications or substances causing Muscle cramps The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Muscle cramps as a symptom. This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments. * Gen-Xene * Tranxene * Clorazepate Dipotassium * Apo-Clorazepate * Novo-Clopate * Clonazepam * Klonopin * PMS-Clonazepam * Triamterene * Noxitem * Midoride * Prostigmin * Distigmine * Ubretid * Synthetic Human Calcitonin * Synthetic Salmon Calcitonin * Pork Calcitonin * Cibacalcin * Calsynar * Calcitare * Irbesartan * Avopro * Karvea * Pyridostigmine * Mestinon * Neostigmine * Madopar * Kinson * Indapamide * Nadide * Dapa-Tabs * Indapamide * Indahexal * Insig * Napamide * Natrilix * Coversyl Plus * Imatinib * Glivec * Gestrinone * Dimetriose * Frusemide * Frusehexal * Frusid * Frusemide * Uremide * Urex * Dihydroergotamine * Dihydergot * Cyclosporin * Cysporin * Neoral * Sandimmun * Bumetanide * Burinex * Bumedyl * Tolcapone * Tasmar * Naturetin * Bendroflumethiazide * Diurigen * Diuril * Hygroton * Thalitone * Esidrix * HydroDIURIL * Hydro-Par * Microzide * Oretic * Diucardin * Saluron * Lozol * Aquatensen * Enduron * Mykrox * Zaroxolyn * Renese * Hydromox * Diurese * Metahydrin * Naqua * Selegiline * Atapryl * Carbex * Eldepryl * L-Deprenyl * Salmeterol * Serevent * Severent Diskus * Advair Diskus * Piroxicam * Candyl * Feldene Gel * Fensaid * Pirox * Feldene * Nimodipine * Nimotop * Nifedipine * Adalat * Adalat CC * Nifedical XL * Nifeditab CR * Procardia * Procardia XL * Naproxen * Apo-Naproxen * Naxen * Novo-Naproxen * Nu-Naproxen * Atiquim * Flexen * Flogen * Fuxen * Naprodil * Naxen * Naxil * Pactens * Pronaxil * Supradol * Velsay * Naproxen Sodium * Aleve * Anaprox * Anaprox DS * EC-Naprosyn * Naprelan * Naprosyn * Nabumetone * Relafen * Metaproterenol * Alupent * Orciprenaline * Tornalate * Meloxicam * Mobic * Lotrel * Amlodipine and Benazepril * Bumex * Edecrin * Lasix * Demadex * Lexxel * Ketorolac - injection and tablets * Ketorolac Tromethamine * Dolac Oral * Dolac Injectable * Indomethacin * Hicin * Indomed * Indo-Spray * Indochron E-R * Indocin * Indocin SR * Imatinib * Gleevec * Ibuprofen * Aches-N-Pain * Excedrin * Excedrin Extra Strength * Gelpirin * Goody’s Headache Powders * Medipren * Pamprin IB * PediaProfen * Rufen * Saleto-200 * Saleto-400 * Trendar * Uni-Pro * Apo-Ibuprofen * Novo-Profen * Nu-Ibuprofen * Butacortelone * Dibufen * Kedvil * Proartinal * Quadrax * Tabalon * Advil * Bayer Select Pain Relief Formula * Children’s Advil * Children’s Motrin * Genpril * Haltran * IBU * Ibuprin * Ibuprohm * Infants’ Motrin * Menadol * Midol * Midol-IB * Motrin * Motrin IB * Nuprin * Pediacare Fever * Cataflam * Solareze-Gel * Voltaren * Voltaren Emugel * Voltaren Rapid * Voltaren-XR * Arthrotec * Clinoril * Tolectin * Dolobid * Apo-Diflunisal * Novo-Diflunidal * Nu-Diflunisal * Nalfon * Ansaid * Flurbiprofen Sodium * Apro-Flurbiprofen * Froben * Froben-SR * Novo-Flurprofen * Nu-Flurprofen * Orudis KT * Meclomen * Ponstel * Daypro * Daypro ALTA * Hydralazine * Alphapress * Apresoline * Etodolac * Lodine * Lodine Retard * Lodine XL * Clofibrate * Atromid-S * Claripex * Novo-Fibrate * Abitrate * Aricept * Donepezil * Galantamine * Rivastigmine * Tacrine * Reminyl * Exelon * Cognex * Bitolterol * Tornalate * Foradil Aerolizer * Foromoterol * Albuterol * AccuNeb * Airet * Proventil * Proventil HFA * Proventil Repetabs * Ventolin * Ventolin HFA * Ventolin Rotacaps * Ventolin Nebules * Volmax * Apo-Salvent * Novo-Salmol * Sabulin * Salbulin * Salbutalan * Xopenex * Maxair * Amvaz * Norvasc * Teveten * Teveten HCT * Cozaar * Hyzaar * Benicar * Benicar HCT
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 8:50 pm
Source: Wrongdiagnosis.com Conditions with Muscle Cramp Symptoms The following list of conditions have 'Muscle cramps' or similar listed as a symptom in our (wrongdiagnosis.com) database. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom. A Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis C Celiac Disease Cholera D Dehydration Diabetes H Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Heat cramps Heat exhaustion Heatstroke M Motor neuron diseases P Porphyria T Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes U Uremia Conditions listing complications from muscle cramps The following list of conditions have 'Muscle cramps' or similar listed as a complication in our database. The distinction between a symptom and complication is not always clear, and conditions mentioning this symptom as a complication may also be relevant. This computer-generated list may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always seek prompt professional medical advice about the cause of any symptom. S Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning ... muscle cramping (from vomiting/diarrhea)
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Wendo
Member
08-07-2000
| Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 8:58 pm
I would also add that some people will develop muscle problems while taking statin drugs. (As I did last year.) If one does, it should be reported to your doctor immediately.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, June 29, 2006 - 9:11 pm
Wendo, good info! The Statin Drugs From Richard N. Fogoros, M.D., Your Guide to Heart Disease / Cardiology. Sorting through the statins Statins are drugs that improve cholesterol levels primarily by inhibiting the liver enzyme called "HMG C-A reductase." Statins have proven to be very effective in reducing cholesterol and in reducing the risk of heart attack and death. For this reason, and because they are generally well tolerated, they have become some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. Even so, recent federal guidelines indicate that statins are significantly underused, and that millions more Americans would benefit from them. Which drugs are the statin drugs? There are currently 6 statins on the market: * atorvastatin (Lipitor) * fluvastatin (Lescol) * lovastatin (Mevacor) * pravastatin (Pravachol) * simvastatin (Zocor) * rosuvastatin (Crestor) A seventh statin, cerivastatin (Baycol) was removed from the market during the summer of 2001 because of potentially serious side effects. Source: About Heart Disease
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Yankee_in_ca
Member
08-01-2000
| Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - 1:28 pm
I have always been very tight in my shoulders and upper back -- caused by working at a computer too much, and by my high-stress job and life. I hadn't been to physio massage in about 5 months (it always seems like a ridiculous thing to do -- I mean, it's not like I work laying bricks or anything). Well, I've been having a serious burn in my rhomboid/traps area for a while - so much so that I had to take Advil to sleep one night (a big deal for me since I never really take any medicine). So I go today to my physio massage. My therapist is an RMT specializing in motor vehicle accident recovery -- he's very very good and it's considered a medical/physio clinic -- not just a good ole relaxation massage. So anyways ... I find out that my back/neck is so tight that, among other things including causing headaches etc., I've 1) actually cracked a rib on my right side and 2) have started to twist my spine. This first massage helped, but he's recommending I go back at least once a week for the next month. Once he started putting the pressure on my back I could really feel just how screwed up it is back there. So while it's a lot of dough, I'm going to do it. I'd like some relief.
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Lumbele
Member
07-12-2002
| Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - 1:49 pm
Yankee, do if you possibly can. I should have long aog, but waited to get help until I just couldn't stand the constant pain any more. It's a chicken-egg kinda thing with me, but those tight muscles over the years have caused the entire back musculature to cease, and now it will be a major, long-term treatment trying to get the different muscles to relearn, to do what they are meant to do. It's like the old dog and new tricks - not easy. The sooner you can losen those muscles and keep them loose, the better off you'll be down the road, trust me.
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Yankee_in_ca
Member
08-01-2000
| Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 7:46 am
Thanks, Lum -- I will go back. It seems like such an unnecessary expense for someone who sits at a computer all day, but I do get it and am going back. The RMT warned me that I might be sore today, and he was right. The neck area and one of the spots on my right upper back (near the cracked rib) are really sore.
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Retired
Member
07-11-2001
| Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 8:09 am
Yankee - Sorry to hear that. Have you considered also going to a chiropractor?
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Monday, October 30, 2006 - 5:37 pm
Source: Yoga Finder Understanding Your Shoulders By BJ Sadtler, RYT The list of reasons for shoulder pain is as long as your arm, but the biggest culprit is our mechanized society, which breeds upper-body weakness and poor posture. Unless you are a manual laborer, regularly work out or practice yoga, most Westerners only use their shoulders to carry around their necessities. Our handbags, briefcases, suitcases and baby carriers are heavy and burdensome and, over time, aggravate our shoulders. We spend hours slumped over computers, behind steering wheels, and watching television in seats that enforce an abnormal spinal curve. These habits have the potential to disfigure our upper bodies, making the shoulder girdle, in particular, highly vulnerable to stress, pain and injury. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, here are some ideas and poses to include in your yoga practice that may reduce and/or eliminate the possibility that you will become one of the “walking wounded.” Creating muscle awareness The primary shoulder joint is called the glenohumeral joint. According to H. David Coulter’s Anatomy of Hatha Yoga, this joint is shallow but does not provide a “snug fit” between the bone and socket. It is extremely mobile but much less stable than say, our hip. The only connection that our shoulder joints have to our skeleton is at the clavicle (collar bone), making the entire apparatus relatively unstable. Unlike other joints that depend on ligaments and tendons to hold them together, shoulders rely on muscle. The rotator cuff muscles act as tendons to hold the shoulder mechanism together with the arm. There are four of them, also known as the “SITS” muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, serratus anterior. Making a mind-body connection with these muscles is challenging due to the fact that the area is visibly obscured by the shoulder blade (scapula). Often they only become obvious once they are injured. The following three poses are designed to deepen your awareness of your shoulder anatomy, especially the rotator cuff muscles. When engaged, the synovial membrane inside the joint secretes a lubricating liquid and reduces the possibility of friction between the bone and soft tissue. Use these poses early in your practice to stimulate secretion of these fluids and prepare the joint for more vigorous activity. These poses ensure that your muscles are awake, warm and lubricated before they bear the load of your body in more demanding poses. You can also use these poses during the day to break from stressful, monotonous or repetitive motions. By connecting mind, body and breath, you will bring positive energy into the shoulders, shedding tension, worry and neurosis. Note that these are great warm-ups for other forms of exercise such as weight lifting, swimming and golfing. They can be done while standing, walking or in various yoga poses, such as those used in warrior I and II, straddle, eagle and horse stance. Shoulder Shrugs
Wring out one of our biggest stress receptacles, the upper trapezius (upper “traps”). Repeat three times. 1. Stand upright in mountain pose (tadasana), arms relaxed alongside of body; inhale and shrug the shoulders up by the ears 2. Hold breath while pushing shoulders back 3. Exhale, squeeze shoulder blades together, opening chest 4. Release the squeeze 5. Inhale, target the area 3–4 inches below the upper traps between shoulder blades (lattisimus dorsi); squeeze with an exhale 6. Release the squeeze 7. Inhale, target muscles below shoulder blades (serratus anterior) and squeeze with exhale Eagle Arms
Brings freedom and awareness to the area underneath the shoulder blades, the rotator cuff muscles. Repeat three times on each side. 1. Stand upright, bring right arm up in front of chest, bend elbow so forearm (radius and ulna) is vertical and arm (humerus) is horizontal 2. Bring left arm under right, hook elbows and place hands as close as you can get to a prayer position 3. Inhale into upper back, slide shoulder blades down back 4. Exhale, easing elbows away from body, bringing elbows up in line with nose Archer Arms
Stretches tricep muscles, opens shoulder blades. Repeat three times on each side. 1. Inhale, raise right arm straight above head, then bend elbow so forearm comes vertically down back (use a belt if hand does not come half way down the back) 2. Exhale, rotate left arm so palm is out, then sweep it around and up middle of back 3. Clasp hands, or grab belt if hands do not reach each other 4. Inhale, right arm up and over to midline 5. Exhale, left arm down and over to midline Building shoulder strength The arms (bicep, tricep, deltoid) and back (rhomboid, levator, latissimus dorsi and trapezius) need to be toned and strong to be healthy and pain free. Your home practice is a great place to deepen your connection with these larger, more obvious muscles. By holding poses like plank, side plank pose (vasisthasana) and dolphin for long periods of time, you can explore and fortify each muscle in the upper body. Notice that pressing down between the thumb and index finger turns the bicep muscle on. In cobra (bhujangasana), notice the powerful energy that comes up from the earth into the triceps as you hug elbows to ribs. In poses where you tend to focus on some other body part, work to incorporate a shoulder, arm and/or back connection. If you feel at ease in those poses for 10 big breaths, you are probably ready to explore more advanced arm balancing postures such as crane (bakasana), hand stand (adho mukha vrkasana) and forearm balances. Keep in mind that more advanced poses not only require muscle strength but muscle awareness as well. Four-limbed staff pose (chaturanga dandasana) requires a significant amount of strength from the entire shoulder girdle. Some styles of yoga do this pose repeatedly and, if you begin to feel some shoulder pain, it’s important to drop your knees to the floor as you lower down, easing the burden on the shoulder. Downward facing dog, handstand preparation and easy dolphin keep the shoulders working without taxing them. Practice taking “baby steps,” refraining from judgment or comparison with other yogis. Remember that growth comes in spurts and that in a lifelong practice like yoga, we spend most of our time on the plateau. “Enjoy the plateau,” writes George Leonard in his book Mastery, the Keys to Success and Long-Term Fulfillment. Maintaining strength with shoulder wraps Yogini Ana Forrest teaches her students to get in the habit of “wrapping” their shoulders in any pose where the shoulder is used, including dolphin, arm balances and even standing poses like warrior (virabhadrasana) I and III. A shoulder wrap ensures shoulder girdle involvement and conditions that part of your body. Learning how to engage these muscles takes focus, practice and many adjustments. The payback is enduring strength, health and well-being of the shoulder girdle. Forrest has a variation on one of the mainstay poses in yoga, downward facing dog, which she calls “turbo dog.” In it, the arms are not straight; they bend slightly at the elbow. The inner elbows work energetically toward each other so that the mid-back widens, armpits hollow out and chest muscles engage. An added benefit to shoulder wrapping is that by keeping the muscles engaged, the joints are protected by the tightening of connective tissue. Understanding your injury In troubleshooting your shoulder issue, it may help to consider a concept recently described by Shanna Linn at her Yoga Anatomy lecture series held at Moksha Yoga in Chicago. She explained that there is a correlation between the type of restriction in your body and your level of asana experience. Working from outside in, connective tissue (fascia) is typically the biggest restrictor for beginners. Deeper still are restrictions within the muscles, then ligaments, tendons and then finally bone. It follows that if the fascia is flexible and the muscles strong, the likelihood of experiencing a ligament, tendon or bone problem is diminished. Shoulder pain that comes “out of nowhere” is probably a muscle spasm. These “tweaks” occur for a variety of reasons: the muscle fires prematurely, before it is warmed up and ready to work; a cool draft of air causes the muscle to quickly contract; you make a quick, uncontrolled movement. A spasm can be very painful and often takes a few weeks to subside. Using a combination of massage to stimulate blood flow, heat (dry or wet) and rest will help alleviate this condition. You may notice that the pain may move (refer) to a nearby area. This is a good sign and normal. The treatment for the referred area is the same. Note: resting the shoulder does not mean immobilizing it. It is important to keep the joint moving, but gently, such as with shoulder shrugs, eagle and archer arms. The next most common ailment comes from overuse of the joint, irritating one of the tendons (tendonitis). It’s true that if the muscles are strong, there is less strain on the tendons. However, tendons do wear out and can tear, so disciplining yourself to stop doing poses that irritate the area is a must. Another common shoulder condition is bursitis, which also results from overuse and is characterized by inflammation of the lubricating bursa sac in the front of the arm. Both of these conditions require ice and rest and will heal in two to three weeks. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis, also known as the “50’s shoulder”), is excruciatingly painful. The ball-and-socket joint gradually becomes inflamed, irritated and eventually its range of motion is reduced to zero. This is often a long-term condition, the average duration being 30 months. Treatments run the gamut: herbal patches, steroids, surgery, electromagnetic clicker devices and intense massage, to name a few. For more information on this condition, visit www.frozenshoulder.com. Dislocations and torn tissue in the shoulder are caused by thrusting, high-impact movements, which are seldom done in most yoga practices; they occur most often in sports and certain types of manual labor. Be advised that advanced yoga poses and power moves require strength, agility and control, which characteristically take years to develop. If your muscles are weak, do not attempt such poses. Treatment alternatives If you are a yogi and seek help for a shoulder injury, consider holistic professionals who understand yoga, anatomy and energy. Among those who may be helpful are yoga therapists certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, who combine yoga with physical therapy; professional massage therapists, Rolfers and energy healers. A growing number of yogis find relief from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors who practice Tui Na, a form of Oriental bodywork that encompasses acupressure, orthopedics, adjustments and massage. These doctors use herbal remedies and view surgery and pharmaceuticals as a last resort. Unless you have a medical emergency, you can probably avoid these therapies. BJ Sadtler, RYT, teaches Forrest yoga and meditation and can be reached at bjsadtler@breatheinc.com. I found these yoga position explanations for you under Yoga Site and {SparkPeople Resource Center--Fitness Mountain Position - Tadasana
 Improves posture, balance and self-awareness. A deceptive pose in that it appears so simple that some students may ask - "why bother?" But just as there's more to breathing than meets the eye, there is more to standing, too. Stand with feet together, hands at your sides, eyes looking forward. Raise your toes, fan them open, then place them back down on the floor. Feel your heel, outside of your foot, toes and ball of your foot all in contact with the floor. Tilt your pubic bone slightly forward. Raise your chest up and out, but within reason - this isn't the army and you're not standing at attention. Raise your head up and lengthen the neck by lifting the base of your skull toward the ceiling. Stretch the pinky on each hand downward, then balance that movement by stretching your index fingers. Push into the floor with your feet and raise your legs, first the calves and then the thighs. Breathe. Hold the posture, but try not to tense up. Breathe. As you inhale, imagine the breath coming up through the floor, rising through your legs and torso and up into your head. Reverse the process on the exhale and watch your breath as it passes down from your head, through your chest and stomach, legs and feet. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths, relax and repeat. On your next inhale, raise your arms over head (Urdhava Hastasana) and hold for several breaths. Lower your arms on an exhale. As a warm up, try synchronizing the raising and lowering of your arms with your breath - raise, inhale; lower, exhale. Repeat 5 times. The Cobra Position--Bhujangasana
Stretches the spine, strengthens the back and arms, opens the chest and heart. Lie down on your stomach. Keep your legs together, arms at your side, close to your body, with your hands by your chest. Step 1: Inhaling, slowly raise your head and chest as high as it will go. Keep your buttocks muscles tight to protect your lower back. Keep your head up and chest and heart out. Breathe several times and then come down. Repeat as necessary. Step 2: Follow the steps above. When you've gone as high as you can, gently raise yourself on your arms, stretching the spine even more. Only go as far as you are comfortable. Your pelvis should always remain on the floor. Breathe several times and come down. Downward Facing Dog--Adho Mukha Svanasana
Builds strength, flexibility and awareness; stretches the spine and hamstrings; rests the heart. Start on your hands and knees. Keep your legs about hip width apart and your arms shoulder width apart. Your middle fingers should be parallel, pointing straight ahead. Roll your elbows so that the eye or inner elbow is facing forward. Inhale and curl your toes under, as if getting ready to stand on your toes. Exhale and straighten your legs; push upward with your arms. The goal is to lengthen the spine while keeping your legs straight and your feet flat on the ground. However, in the beginning it's okay to bend the knees a bit and to keep your heels raised. The important thing is to work on lengthening the spine. Don't let your shoulders creep up by your ears -- keep them down. Weight should be evenly distributed between your hands and feet. Hold the position for a few breaths. Come down on and exhale. Repeat several times, synchronizing with your breath: up on the exhale and down on the inhale. The Dolphin
Starting Position Start in an inverted V: forearms on floor, elbows wide, hands clasped, butt lifted, legs straight. Tip head between arms to look at feet. Action Looking up, press body forward until chin is above hands. Return to start to complete one rep. Special Instructions None. Muscles Worked: Abs, Shoulders, Upper back The Plank There are many versions: The Plank--standard version
Starting Position Begin by lying on your stomach with palms on the floor next to your shoulders, feet and legs together, toes down. Action Lift your body up so that your arms are straight (palms below shoulders) and weight is balanced evenly between hands and toes, keeping body as straight as possible. Hold for 30 seconds and work up to 1-3 minutes. Special Instructions Don't let your hips drop or rise, and be sure not to shift weight to one arm. Remember to breathe. Muscles Worked: Abs Side Plank-standard version
Starting Position Start by lying on your side, legs straight, feet stacked. Straighten bottom arm, keeping it in line below shoulder, and place free hand on your hip. Flex feet and balance on sides of feet (feet are stacked). Action Use abs to keep hips lifted. Hold for 30 seconds. Work up to 1-3 minutes. Special Instructions Don't allow hips to drop to the ground. Keep breathing steady. Muscles Worked: Obliques, Abs Side Plank on Swiss Ball
Starting Position Begin with the right side of your torso lying on a ball, your feet on the ground next to you, stacked. Straighten your legs and place your right hand on the ground, arm straight. Action Hold this position, making sure you are not holding your breath. Try 15-30 seconds and work your way up to 1-3 minutes. Special Instructions The ball assists you in this pose if regular Side Plank is too difficult for you. Muscles Worked: Obliques, Abs Modified Plank
This is the one I do--easier than standard plank Starting Position Begin this exercise by lying on your stomach with your forearms on the floor pointing straight forward, your feet together and your spine in a neutral position. Your feet should be touching or no more than an inch apart. Action Lift your body up on your forearms and toes, keeping your body as straight as possible. Maintain this position for as long as possible and challenge yourself to longer periods in the plank position. Try to hold the position for 60 seconds in the beginning, working your way up in 30 second jumps until you can hold the position for 3 minutes or longer. Special Instructions Don’t let your hips/knees drop, your butt raise, or shift weight to one forearm. Muscles Worked: Abs Modified Side Plank
Starting Position Lie on left side, legs together, feet stacked. Wrap right arm around waist. Keep head and neck aligned with spine. Action Prop upper body on bent left forearm (be sure elbow is directly below shoulder). Press hips toward ceiling, using abs to stabilize torso. Hold for 30 seconds and work up to 1-3 minutes. Special Instructions Be sure not to hold breath. Exercise will be easier if feet are staggered instead of stacked. Muscles Worked: Abs, Obliques
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