Multiple sclerosis is a disease that can involve a fair amount of pain. Over half of the people diagnosed with the disease will experience some type of pain, often in the form of a multiple sclerosis spasm. This is a type of muscle spasm that can be very painful. A MS spasm can come on very suddenly and it may last for a long time. It is very similar to a cramp. The spasm can be felt just about anywhere in the body. Many patients say that they commonly get them in their legs. Spasms can occur in a multiple sclerosis patient due to the nervous system damage in their body. They can also get spasms in the muscles because certain muscles are not getting used because of the disease.
When someone is first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, they will probably be told about the likelihood of having pain. They may be told about having muscle spasms or cramps and how to deal with them. Listening to your doctor and following medical advice can help keep muscle spasms or cramps from happening for as long as possible. When they do happen, try to keep a log of them and see if there is anything specific that may have triggered the spasm.
Treatments for a Multiple Sclerosis Spasm
Many times, the first course of treatment for spasms will be pain medication. This will help a patient get back to their normal daily routine, especially if the spasms are related to a flare up or a relapse. The pain medication is usually short term and low dosage as to avoid any serious side effects.
Alternative treatments may also be used to help relieve pain related to spasms. Many people find that things like hot showers or baths can help relax the muscles, reducing the occurrence of spasms. Some people also use over the counter creams like Icy/Hot to help when they get a muscle cramp.
A way to help prevent muscle spasms is to include gentle exercise in your daily routine. Sometimes, muscle spasms can occur because the muscles are not getting used. When they become stiff, they can cramp up and become very painful. Gentle exercise and stretching can keep the muscle limbered up. Just remember that it is important not to over exercise the muscles, as this can be dangerous and painful as well.
