FU ?: Anyone have muscle spasms?

[lindyanne]

I have had muscle spasms on and off for about 12 years. They're normally not horrible and go away within a few weeks with a few visits to the chiropractor. I got medication five years ago for them when I couldn't kick them and that helped. I got the same medication (flexeril) and I'm taking Advil with it and it's not touching the pain. Like I'm moaning and writhing when they act up. This is the worst pain I've ever been in including when I was on pitocin for like seven hours before I got my epidural. I'm going back to the doctor on Tuesday but just wanted to see if anyone had things they use that aren't medication and any different medications. I have been icing 4-5 times a day and trying to recline as being up a lot seems to make it flare up.

Follow Up Question: did PT not work for anyone? I just finished my fifth week of PT and I've had several massages. I went to the doctor last week because they haven't gotten any better and he referred me to an orthopedist. He said they'd likely take X-rays and give me a shot. I feel like a fucking invalid. I did light cleaning yesterday because my dad is coming this weekend and I paid for it dearly. I need relief.

[cajunmom]

I do, in my neck/down my shoulder. The last time I had them really badly I went to an orthopedist and he sent me to PT b/c meds didn't help. The PT helped a ton and once they helped me through that episode they gave me a series of stretches to do if I felt a spasm coming on. That was three years ago and with the help of the stretches I haven't had a full blown spasm since then. Is that something that's an option? Where are your spasms?

[Pom]

No advice, but shit I am sorry, that sounds miserable. My mom has terrible leg cramps frequently and takes more generic stuff to help potassium, quinine, Aleve all of which is probably not helpful in your case. I hope you get some relief.

[dirtyred]

Jan 4, 2016 8:36:15 GMT -5 cajunmom said:

I do, in my neck/down my shoulder. The last time I had them really badly I went to an orthopedist and he sent me to PT b/c meds didn't help. The PT helped a ton and once they helped me through that episode they gave me a series of stretches to do if I felt a spasm coming on. That was three years ago and with the help of the stretches I haven't had a full blown spasm since then. Is that something that's an option? Where are your spasms?

Ditto that stretching helps. I do a series of stretches every day as a preventative measure and it helps.

[magdala]

Jan 4, 2016 8:36:15 GMT -5 cajunmom said:

I do, in my neck/down my shoulder. The last time I had them really badly I went to an orthopedist and he sent me to PT b/c meds didn't help. The PT helped a ton and once they helped me through that episode they gave me a series of stretches to do if I felt a spasm coming on. That was three years ago and with the help of the stretches I haven't had a full blown spasm since then. Is that something that's an option? Where are your spasms?

Another recommendation for Physical Therapy.  Like cajunmom, I had nasty spasms that PT stretching almost cured.  I still get them when my triggers (dehydrated, overstressed) are set off, but the stretching lessens the pain and can prevent some attacks.  I do a specific series of stretches each day as a preventative.  Without the PT, I would not have known what stretches would work.

[mich1]

I do. I always got leg spasms, but after my hip surgeries, they ramped up to another level. Every time I contracted the muscle, it spasmed (which worked really well while I was in PT).

Someone suggested taking magnesium. I'm not into supplements at all, but surprisingly this really did help. They aren't totally gone, but I don't get them several times/day like I used to.

[AAM2012]

I get them and the only thing that really works for me is massage therapy. I did have a problem with my piriformis muscle from running and PT helped but for my upper back/neck massage is the only thing that works.

Hope you find relief soon!

[lindyanne]

Bump

[winnieandwine]

Jan 3, 2016 23:27:54 GMT -5 lindyanne said:

Follow Up Question: did PT not work for anyone? I just finished my fifth week of PT and I've had several massages. I went to the doctor last week because they haven't gotten any better and he referred me to an orthopedist. He said they'd likely take X-rays and give me a shot. I feel like a fucking invalid. I did light cleaning yesterday because my dad is coming this weekend and I paid for it dearly. I need relief.

 I have muscle spasms in my cervical spine to the point where my body is asymmetrical at rest (my skull is pulled down towards the right, as the spasms are worse on the right). luckily, only a physiatrist and neurologist have noticed so I don't feel too disfigured!

we did a brain and neck MRI but both were pretty unrevealing. 

I've been doing weekly PT, weekly massage, and frequent icing/heat. I have a TENS unit, this cervical neck pillow which provides a little traction, and hot rock stones. I also beg my husband for massage probably 3x per week. I try to focus on my posture throughout the day because that really does help. if the spasms cause enough pain to trigger a migraine, I take my sedating migraine meds and go to sleep.

don't feel alone - I don't think PT is doing anything for me and I'm working with a colleague who has a great reputation.

[winnieandwine]

once I'm done with the MD-ordered PT, I'm going to ask my physiatrist if I'm appropriate for botox injections.

[cajunmom]

Jan 3, 2016 23:27:54 GMT -5 lindyanne said:

Follow Up Question: did PT not work for anyone? I just finished my fifth week of PT and I've had several massages. I went to the doctor last week because they haven't gotten any better and he referred me to an orthopedist. He said they'd likely take X-rays and give me a shot. I feel like a fucking invalid. I did light cleaning yesterday because my dad is coming this weekend and I paid for it dearly. I need relief.

Definitely get the x-ray. I'm kind of surprised that they sent you for PT without having an x-ray or MRI, honestly. Since it's so bad for you right now I would go ahead and take whatever relief they offer (shot, etc) and then see if your PT treatment plan would change once they look at your x-rays. 

[lindyanne]

Thanks. I just borrowed a TENS unit from a friend today to see if it helps till my appointment Tuesday. I have Vicodin the doctor finally relented to give me (I almost went to the ER the night before but I would have had to drive myself and didn't know if I could). I will definitely take whatever they offer. I will check out that pillow as well. I do chiropractic on a regular basis and have heard from a few people that I have a pinched nerve because of the way the pain is spreading down into my arm. My DH has been to the orthopedist group I am going to and loves it there so I'm hoping for some good answers.

[winnieandwine]

Feb 11, 2016 18:05:06 GMT -5 lindyanne said:

Thanks. I just borrowed a TENS unit from a friend today to see if it helps till my appointment Tuesday. I have Vicodin the doctor finally relented to give me (I almost went to the ER the night before but I would have had to drive myself and didn't know if I could). I will definitely take whatever they offer. I will check out that pillow as well. I do chiropractic on a regular basis and have heard from a few people that I have a pinched nerve because of the way the pain is spreading down into my arm. My DH has been to the orthopedist group I am going to and loves it there so I'm hoping for some good answers.

what does your dr say about the chiro?

my physiatrist said he is not anti-chiro in all situations but thought mine was doing more damage than good. sure enough, I stopped going (after going weekly for almost a year) and had no real change... and maybe even minimal improvement in my pain.

[lindyanne]

Feb 11, 2016 18:09:03 GMT -5 winnieandwine said:

Feb 11, 2016 18:05:06 GMT -5 lindyanne said:

Thanks. I just borrowed a TENS unit from a friend today to see if it helps till my appointment Tuesday. I have Vicodin the doctor finally relented to give me (I almost went to the ER the night before but I would have had to drive myself and didn't know if I could). I will definitely take whatever they offer. I will check out that pillow as well. I do chiropractic on a regular basis and have heard from a few people that I have a pinched nerve because of the way the pain is spreading down into my arm. My DH has been to the orthopedist group I am going to and loves it there so I'm hoping for some good answers.

what does your dr say about the chiro?

my physiatrist said he is not anti-chiro in all situations but thought mine was doing more damage than good. sure enough, I stopped going (after going weekly for almost a year) and had no real change... and maybe even minimal improvement in my pain.

The PT said don't go on the same day so we could see if something was helping/hurting. I honestly wouldn't be able to walk without mine probably. I have been going to him for 13 years. I was going frequently when these first started but I realized it wasn't helping this time so I am back to my regular once a month visits.

[abcdefu]

lindyanne, I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I know how you feel. I have spina bifida which has caused chronic nerve pain. One year ago I had my spinal cord untethered. I take flexeril as well, plus elavil, tramadol, and baclofen.

I see you are using ice. For me, ice or anything cold makes the spasms worse. I sleep with a heated mattress pad. Heat makes a huge difference for me. Also, try to avoid overdoing things. Luckily I have domestic help so I can rest when I need to. Also, during the work week I only take my meds at night, but on the weekends, if I'm not driving, I follow my regimen of three times per day. It sucks to stay home on the weekends, but it's what I need to do to function.

I hope you start feeling better soon.

[AAM2012]

Feb 11, 2016 18:05:06 GMT -5 lindyanne said:

Thanks. I just borrowed a TENS unit from a friend today to see if it helps till my appointment Tuesday. I have Vicodin the doctor finally relented to give me (I almost went to the ER the night before but I would have had to drive myself and didn't know if I could). I will definitely take whatever they offer. I will check out that pillow as well. I do chiropractic on a regular basis and have heard from a few people that I have a pinched nerve because of the way the pain is spreading down into my arm. My DH has been to the orthopedist group I am going to and loves it there so I'm hoping for some good answers.

Have you checked your diet? While it may not be the root of the problem it can help since certain foods cause inflammation in the body (i.e. meat, dairy, wheat etc).

Not saying it's the same thing but my body (muscles and joints) used to be in pain constantly not matter what until I went gluten free (after being diagnosed with celiac) and started limiting my diary.

Worth a shot if it helps, hope you find relief soon!