Why does a muscle seize or cramp up?

Question

My whole trunk.

Answer 1

Lack of water, or potassium.

Answer 2

when you over work a muscle without giving it time to relax and catch up, your muscle when overworked constantly uses whats called anaerobic glycolysis (ie making energy without the use of Oxygen). That method of energy has a byproduct called lactate, and the build of a lactate is what causes the muscle to cramp or seize. you need to get your self some more fluids that contain electrolytes (ie gatorade) and try to relax that muscle by not performing any big jobs using your trunk. Take some Advil too as it will help relax that muscle.

Answer 3

Here's a good article:

Muscle cramp

A muscle cramp is an uncontrollable and painful spasm of a muscle. Any muscle can be affected, but the muscles of the calf and foot are particularly prone. A cramp can last for varying periods of time and generally resolves by itself. The exact cause of cramp is unknown but risk factors may include poor physical condition, mineral and electrolyte imbalances and tight, inflexible muscles.

Read more about it:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Muscle_cramp?open

Answer 4

The main reason is dehydration of the tissues. Drink ample amounts of water, and replace water lost during strenuous sports activities with something like Gatoraide.

Answer 5

It can be from overuse, referred pain, calcium defecient, potassium defecient. You know if you did anything physical to cause this. Are you eating right, taking a multivitamin mineral suppliment? You need to. If it's neither of these you may need to go to your Dr. tom. if it keeps up. sometimes over exertion can cause this sometimes it's internal. Depends on your recent activity...last two to three days. Good luck.

Answer 6

because of the build up of lactic acid when the cells deplete their oxygen supply.

Answer 7

dehydration, mostly