What you're going through sounds absolutely exhausting — being woken up every two hours and struggling to walk is a lot to deal with. You are definitely not alone. Many MyMSTeam members describe very similar experiences with severe spasticity, stiffness, burning, and nighttime pain in their legs.
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What you're going through sounds absolutely exhausting — being woken up every two hours and struggling to walk is a lot to deal with. You are definitely not alone. Many MyMSTeam members describe very similar experiences with severe spasticity, stiffness, burning, and nighttime pain in their legs.
One MyMSTeam member shared, "Spasticity is my worst symptom so far," and others have described the same robotic, rigid feeling when trying to walk. Since you're already at the maximum oral baclofen dose and still struggling, it may be worth having an honest conversation with your neurologist. There are other options that could help:
- Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump — A small pump surgically placed under the skin that delivers baclofen directly to the spinal canal. Many people find this more effective with fewer side effects than oral baclofen. One MyMSTeam member said, "I had a baclofen pump implanted, and now I can stand up straight, have no pain, and feel like a normal person again."
- Botox injections — Sometimes used as a localized muscle relaxant for spasticity.
- Other spasticity medications — Your doctor may know of alternatives worth exploring.
Cold temperatures and staying still (like during sleep) are known to make spasticity significantly worse, which could explain why nights are so hard.
Please don't make any changes to your baclofen dose on your own — stopping or reducing it suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms. Always work with your healthcare team on any adjustments.
August 13
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