Controlling Muscle Spasms in MS

Spasticity involves stiff muscles and involuntary spasms, often affecting the legs and arms. Symptoms include persistent stiffness, muscle tightening, and painful spasms. These can vary depending on your position and relaxation levels.

Spasticity results from an imbalance in electrical signals between your brain and spinal cord, often due to nerve damage from MS. External factors like temperature extremes, infections, and tight clothing can make it worse.

Initial treatment often involves physical therapy with stretching exercises to lengthen muscles. Occupational therapy may also involve devices to help you maintain flexibility and range of motion.

Several medications can help manage spasticity. Muscle relaxants like baclofen target muscle tension. Benzodiazepines aid relaxation but aren't typically FDA-approved for MS. Botulinum toxin injections – better known as Botox – and alpha2-adrenergic agonists are other options. Research on cannabis products shows promise but needs more study.

In severe cases, surgery may be considered. Rhizotomy involves cutting a part of the spinal nerve to relieve pain or tension. Tendon release (tenotomy) cuts tight tendons to reduce the severity of spasticity.

When evaluating treatment options, consider the impact of spasticity on daily activities and your pain levels, how well previous treatments worked, cost implications, and potential side effects and risks. Work with your health care provider to find the best strategy.