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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Describe spacicity and what it feels like.

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
February 17
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A MyMSTeam Member

I look over to the muscles that twitch or tighten, noting that might be sore later.
The rest of the time, you simply adjust and adapt to the new situation and move.

February 17
A MyMSTeam Member

It is worse for me in the mornings when I get out of bed. I feel like a puppet or an old lady (I am 48). Sitting on the toilet seems almost impossible when I first wake up. I am forced to hold onto the wall to make it to a sitting position. Once I am up and moving around it gets a little better. I have to keep moving to keep from stiffening. I get intense charley horses in my calves and feet (maybe once a day, sometimes twice) but if I work hard to straighten my foot when it begins to happen, I am able to calm it down and the aftermath isn't near as bad.

February 20
MyMSTeam

What is spasticity in MS and what does it feel like?

Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms in MS, affecting about 70-80% of people at some point. It happens when parts of your brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement get damaged.

Normally, when you move, one muscle contracts while the opposite muscle Show Full Answer

What is spasticity in MS and what does it feel like?

Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms in MS, affecting about 70-80% of people at some point. It happens when parts of your brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement get damaged.

Normally, when you move, one muscle contracts while the opposite muscle relaxes. With spasticity, the relaxing part doesn't work properly, causing muscles to stay tight or stiff.

What spasticity feels like:

A MyMSTeam member described it as "the sensation of being wrapped in 4-inch-wide adhesive tape." Others experience:

- Muscle stiffness and tightness
- Involuntary muscle spasms (like charley horses that can be very painful)
- Exaggerated reflexes that won't stop
- Legs that tremble when first standing up
- Difficulty bending limbs

Common patterns:

- It's usually worse when you're still, especially at night
- Cold weather tends to make it worse
- Some people only notice mild stiffness, while for others it significantly impacts daily life

One member shared: "I can't sit for extended periods, drive any distance, or get a good night's sleep. I'm constantly repositioning to find comfort."

February 17

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