A doctor has explained the exact reason why we feel a painful cramping sensation when we stretch. Doctor Sood, aka @doctorsood on TikTok, is a Board-Certified MD. But whether you stretch in the morning, at work, or at night, you need to find out why it’s happening in order to stop it.

Stretching can feel great and help us to relax, however it’s far from relaxing when we’re jolted by the pain. The expert, in his video, questioned: “Have you ever had a leg cramp?

“These can cause pain because they are essentially a muscle spasm.” Listing the “common causes” he says it can include:

• dehydration
• overuse of muscles
• muscle fatigue
• poor circulation
• nerve compression
• electrolyte deficiency

The deficiencies he notes could include magnesium, but experts at Livestrong suggest nothing similar. Its experts suggest that muscle spasms could be caused by “a mineral or chemical imbalance, such as dehydration of your muscles due to calcium or potassium depletion”. You are at an increased risk of muscle spasms because your muscles cannot maintain proper fluid levels.

“In rare instances, muscle spasms can indicate a more serious condition, such as kidney problems, hypothyroidism or a metabolic disorder,” it warns.

The doctor continued in his video that “treatment will include addressing the underlying cause” which will vary from person to person, and for this, you may have to see your GP to get to the root cause.

He notes: “But if you do require pain medication that you can try ibuprofen for a muscle relaxant. But please discuss with your doctor.”

How can I prevent muscle cramps when stretching?

The health experts at livestrong further add to their advice, backing up the doctor, urging people to seek medical help if they need it. It notes: “While stretching is one method for relieving muscle spasms, it does not have to be your only method.

“In addition to stretching, you can increase the amount of fluids you drink to restore fluid imbalances. Sports drinks and water are good examples of drinks that can replace these fluids, which should help to reduce cramping.

“Applying heat to the area with a hot shower or a heating pad also can help to prevent muscle cramping. Continuing to engage in slow, gentle stretches can help to relieve muscle spasms.”