Cramps while lying down

Cramps in the legs when lying down are not rare. This occurs relatively frequently if the muscles have been heavily strained before.At rest, the overexerted muscles are no longer supplied with sufficient blood and cramps are more likely. In contrast, however, cramps can also occur during prolonged rest.

Here, too, insufficient blood supply to the muscles is the cause. Therefore, always pay attention to sufficient, moderate and adapted movement of the musculature. Especially at night cramps occur frequently. In order to prevent this, care should be taken to keep the legs and especially the feet warm so that the muscles are relaxed. You should also make sure that your legs are in a comfortable position when lying down, since an unfavorable position of the legs can also promote cramps.

Cramps due to a herniated disc

In addition to the reasons listed under “Causes” for cramps in the legs, they can also be caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. In the event of a herniated disc (prolapse), part of the disc slips out of its anchorage and enters the spinal canal in which the spinal cord is located. The spinal cord is not always constricted in the process.

However, if there is increased pressure against the spinal cord, a nerve root or the exiting nerves, this can cause cramps in the legs or arms (depending on the height of the herniated disc in the lumbar spine). In addition to cramps, pain, paralysis and sensory disturbances often occur. If cramps occur in the legs due to a herniated disc of the lumbar spine, the herniated disc is usually located at the level of the lumbar spine.

Cramps in the legs in multiple sclerosis

Some people with MS may also experience muscle spasms as part of the disease. These calf cramps are so-called spasticity. The spasticity can lead to involuntary movements such as stretching or tightening of the legs.

In about half of those affected, spasticity is accompanied by severe pain, which is perceived as very restrictive in everyday life. Approximately 80% of people with MS experience spasticity at some point during the course of their disease. Spasticity often occurs at night, so sleep is severely impaired.

People with MS are more prone to muscle spasticity because the disease causes damage to the brain and nerve pathways that transmit motor impulses. The spasms occur when the first motor neuron, which is located in the brain, is damaged. Therapeutic options include physiotherapy, muscle relaxants such as baclofen and diazepam from the benzodiazepine class, cortisone therapy and injection of botulinum toxin.