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@isaacson72 

Last reply

isaacson72

Spasticity questions

Hi everybody, I have some questions about spasticity. I am having a hard time figuring out what it is, exactly, and how to differentiate it from something as simple as sore muscles or some other type of issue. Currently, I have a stiff neck. Like you get when you sleep in the wrong position in bed. Normally when this happens to me, it's gone in a couple of days. This time it's been closing in on 3 weeks and it's no better. I've tried switching to the guest bedroom, I've tried different pillows. Nothing helps (except ibuprofen, which I hate taking). I'm getting a massage tonight and again Friday to help relax those muscles. Could that be spasticity from the MS, or just simply a sore neck? Maybe I just haven't found the RIGHT pillow or something? Although I've had this pillow for awhile, it's memory foam and it has never given me problems before, I've had it for nearly 2 years (and it hasn't lost any of its ... what's the word? Fluff? Solidity? Plus memory foam pillows are supposed to last a really, really long time so I don't think it's really a problem with the pillow). Also, from time to time, my legs ache. Sort of like I've overdone it on exercise, except I haven't done anything out of the ordinary - walk the dog, etc.. More frequently, it's specifically the right side of my thigh (but not always). Also my low back is a mess, I have facet joint arthritis and that pain can radiate around my back & legs sometimes, so it's possibly a combination of all of that, I suppose. I'm just not clear on exactly what spasticity is supposed to feel like. I hear spasms all the time - but I imagine that to be more like spasms, like an eye twitch or something. Could the legs & neck be spasticity? Is there any way to definitely know for sure that's what it is or is it a guessing game? Thanks, Michelle
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@Stumbler
@Stumbler
 

@isaacson72 , there's a fair bit of information here:- https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/spasticity-and-spasms You might want to consider a neuro-physio assessment to identify stretches/exercises that may help. Yoga should also be considered.

@isaacson72
@isaacson72
 

So can a neuro-physio tell whether it's spasticity or something else? I read that link (thank you!) - I don't think it's spasms. I don't notice any involuntary movement of muscles, but there is definitely stiffness for no apparent reason in my neck and legs (unless the legs is related to facet joint arthritis). I'll email my neuro & see if he can recommend a physio for me, maybe that would help. I've tried yoga and will definitely give it another go, but because of the facet joint arthritis, repeated bending and laying flat on my back are both painful. Even the gentle back yoga class I took a few times bothered my stupid back. My neuro actually told me he hasn't written off my back pain as being unrelated to MS - he said it's most likely the arthritis, but could be spasticity. It's this kind of uncertainty that drives me insane! I suppose the treatment for both is the same - more movement - but I'd sure love to know exactly what the problem is.