How to explain muscle spasm/spasticity

[mynd]

I'm struggling with spasticity in my legs, at times my leg muscle with be very tight, in a contraction that lasts for a long time.  When that is going on it is difficult to walk and I feel a bit like a tin soldier.  Periodically this will kick in and give me some grief, then improve or disappear just as suddenly as it appeared.  I'm looking for some kind of resource or video or just some kind of explanation that I can help to explain what is happening.  My stepfather is concerned and tries to be helpful but does not understand.  He is stuck with the understanding that muscles get tight because you don't use them enough.  I have tried to explain that this does not apply in this case.  My muscles are not tight because they have become shortened from disuse.  That this is a temporary exaccerbation.  I am so blessed to have people who want to be of help, but at the same time it is frustrating to sit through  earnest "pep talks"  that just don't spply

[twopack]

I asked my husband for help with this and he actually came through.  He compared MS spasticity to having a lamp that isn’t working.  

If you change out the bulb (maybe even more than once) but you still don’t get light you have to assume the problem is somewhere else.  You have to find out where (and why) the power is being interrupted.  

Sometimes wiggling a switch or connector will get the lamp lit temporarily but unless you can make a permanent repair you aren’t likely to get anything better than sporadic performance.  

Now, if you put that original suspect bulb in a different lamp - one with a good power source… voila! ….. instant and reliable light.

Did I miss the mark here?  Maybe you were asking how to explain this to your doctor?  Or how to control it?  At any rate, I hope we can offer you some help and support as a community.  Welcome!

[twopack]

If he has ever had a muscle cramp (especially after TOO MUCH exercise in a day) he might be able to relate to that type of example.  More exercise doesn't resolve a cramp in process and few people would appreciate such a suggestion.

BUT regular gentle stretches CAN help release and prevent cramps, spasms and spasticity in general.  People with MS or spinal cord diseases/injury who can't move themselves should have a therapist (or trained caregiver) to assist with stretching. Of course medication can be required as well when pain or loss of function is an ongoing problem.

Just make sure he knows that your spasticity is a little different because:
-- The cause is different!! (Faulty nerve signal to muscle rather than muscle fatigue, dehydration or electrolyte/mineral depletion)
-- Spasticity may not be visible or feel 'tight' to an examiners touch like a cramp does (especially if it involves smaller groups of fibers within the muscle)
-- The contractions of spasticity can last much longer than a 'simple' cramp (in my experience Spasticity is Sustained -- Spasms tend to Grab-and-Go)
-- Spasticity of the lower extremities might make for stiff leg walking but get rid of too much of it and your legs might not be able to hold you up at all!
-- A lack of adequate nerve signal to a muscle can lead to loss of muscle mass but NO amount of exercise will fix the muscle because it's the nerve that needs to be fixed (and sadly, that isn’t possible yet)

I'm thinking there has to be an automotive example in here somewhere.  I'll have to think about it.

[Irene5353]

That tin soldier thing is really awful - I have had it off and on and sometimes people will cross the street because they are fearful, idiots, ignorant - take your pick!

What has helped me is Baclofen and Zanoflex and most of all Physical Therapy!  PT really helps the most.  I was in a wheelchair for 2 and a half months and started PT and I am out of the chair with an ankle brace, and using a cane or Canadian/Forearm crutch.  I have foot drop so that is what the brace helps with so I do not trip.  Good Luck!

[PastorDan]

Look to the right side of this page and find the "Most Viewed Health Pages" box.  Third on the list is one titled "Muscle Tone And Spasticity."  IIRC, I've learned a lot from that page, and I hope it helps you explain the problem to your family.