Hi Bruce,

I used to get these cramps at night in my hamstrings mostly, sometimes extending to my calves so my legs are in very painful cramps.

I had an MRI, thinking this may be caused by sciatic nerve compression. My lumbar spine is a disaster area - stenosis, scoliosis, listhesis, severe disc degeneration and arthritis spurs. I am in the gym everyday and my strong core is protecting my lower back - well, so says my surgeon.

The MRI revealed something interesting - my lower back muscles were too tight and likely causing these sporadic cramps. I added in some lower back stretches and the problem is pretty much gone.

You can search for lower back stretches and try some if you'd like. A favorite of mine is to simply lie on my bed, or floor, and pull one leg at a time up to my chest, wrapping my arms around the lower leg.

I have also used "dry needling" to relieve tension in my lower back muscles. The procedure is nearly painless in spite of the name and, in my case, instantly effective.

Hope this helps Bruce!

Joe