Managing MS muscle spasms can feel overwhelming, but there are quite a few options to explore — from lifestyle tweaks to medical treatments. Here's an overview of what can help: Medications your doctor may recommend
- Muscle relaxants like baclofen, tizanidine, or diazepam
- Clonazepam or gabapentin
- Botox injections for Show Full Answer
Managing MS muscle spasms can feel overwhelming, but there are quite a few options to explore — from lifestyle tweaks to medical treatments. Here's an overview of what can help: Medications your doctor may recommend:
- Muscle relaxants like baclofen, tizanidine, or diazepam
- Clonazepam or gabapentin
- Botox injections for targeted spasms
- An implanted baclofen pump for severe spasticity Therapies and physical approaches:
- Physical or occupational therapy to build strength and flexibility
- Stretching and range-of-motion exercises, including yoga
- Water-based exercises at around 85°F
- Braces, splints, or orthotics to stabilize joints
- Electrical stimulation therapy At-home tips for nighttime spasms:
- Use a supportive mattress and plenty of pillows
- Try a weighted blanket — a MyMSTeam member even said their dog laying on their legs helped!
- Avoid tight pajamas
- Keep your sleep environment at a comfortable temperature
- Try gentle in-bed stretches, like pulling knees to your chest Lifestyle factors that can make spasms worse:
- Exhaustion
- A full bladder or constipation
- Prolonged sitting — setting a timer to get up and move every hour can really help If spasms are significantly affecting quality of life, it's worth talking to a neurologist or asking for a referral to a physical therapist. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but many people find a combination of approaches works best.
August 16
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
