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Is anyone dealing with spasticity???

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Marble Hill, MO
August 19
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MyMSTeam

Oh, absolutely — spasticity is one of the most common MS symptoms out there. Around 70% of people with MS experience it in some form, ranging from mild stiffness to something that significantly impacts daily life.

A MyMSTeam member described it as feeling "wrapped in 4-inch-thick duct tape." Another said some days bring Show Full Answer

Oh, absolutely — spasticity is one of the most common MS symptoms out there. Around 70% of people with MS experience it in some form, ranging from mild stiffness to something that significantly impacts daily life.

A MyMSTeam member described it as feeling "wrapped in 4-inch-thick duct tape." Another said some days bring just stiffness, while other days their leg shakes when they stand up. So yes, you are definitely not alone in this! Here are some things that can make spasticity worse:

- Cold temperatures
- Being still for long periods (like sleeping)
- Emotional stress
- Constipation or a full bladder
- Exhaustion
- Tight clothing
- Increased body temperature

There are also several ways people manage it. Here's what has helped others:

- Stretching — even just 5 minutes before getting out of bed in the morning
- Movement and exercise — walking, swimming, or whatever movement works for you
- Staying hydrated — drinking enough water throughout the day
- Foam rollers — a MyMSTeam member swears by rolling to loosen up hamstrings
- Diet changes — cutting processed foods and increasing fruits and vegetables
- Acupuncture or massage — for some temporary relief

Always talk to a doctor about spasticity, as there are also medications that can help depending on whether it's affecting one area or more widespread.

August 19
A MyMSTeam Member

I have been dealing with it almost every day and I’m now using a Scooter because of it. 🤔

August 19
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes, I am. I'm in a wheelchair because of it.

August 19
A MyMSTeam Member

Of course! Spasticity from MS is one of my main/biggest problems.

To address this I take/eat a TON of baclofen (muscle relaxers) every day -- 40mg 6x per day. That's *way above* the FDA maximum doseage, but it's semi-common for MS patients, especially males.

The other tactic that's *required* is stretching ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQopiiFbAo0zS...). I do multiple types of stretches for different parts of my body. It's important to "hold" a stretch for 20seconds or so, time to impact your brain and reset the nerves.

I do stretches the first thing in the morning as soon as I wake up. One can do "toe curls," exercise ankles, exercise kegel muscles and more while laying in bed.

This is what keeps me ambulatory and walking with MS at age 65! 😁

1 day ago
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes and it's miserable.

August 22

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