Spasticity

Spasticity, according to the dictionary means "a state of increased tone of a muscle (and an increase in the deep tendon reflexes). For example, with spasticity of the legs (spastic paraplegia) there is an increase in tone of the leg muscles so they feel tight and rigid and the knee jerk reflex is exaggerated".

I used to get this term confused with spasms. Spasms are "an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction". The second definition for a spasm is a "sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation".

Both problems

Cir has problems with both of these. Spasticity, is more of a problem when he gets cold or gets sick.

Every winter, getting in and out of the car becomes difficult for him. His legs stiffen up and are hard to bend. I usually have to help lift and bend them so that he can get in the car.

Getting out is a little easier. Once he warms up, his muscles loosen up, and become less rigid. He's able to move and walk more easily.

Medication helps

He does take medication for this. Neurontin or gabapentin, which is the generic name for it, helps to lesson both the spasticity and the spasms.

In sickness and in.....

Another time spasticity is a big problem for Cir is when he is sick. If Cir has any type of infection that causes him to run a fever, he legs become stiff. He has had about four or five experiences with this.

The first few times we didn't head to the doctor until the situation became very serious. The last time, we called his doctor and he said I should take him to an urgent care clinic or to emergency.

We hadn't realized how serious infections can be for someone with MS. I don't want to scare you, but many of the deaths for people with MS, occur as a result of sever infections.

Because of your compromised immune system, infections can be a major issue for you as a person with MS. For Cir, because he also has bladder problems and has to use catheters, he is especially at risk.

So please be careful and take every precaution to prevent infections. If you'd like to read more about MS and infections, click here.

Instead of meds try...

There are non-medication ways to deal with your spasticity. Exercise, specifically stretching will help to lesson this problem for you. Also, if you can do yoga, or any type of activity that helps you to remain flexible.

This may difficult for you if you have problems with balance or mobility. If you are wheelchair bound, this also limits the amount and type of exercise or activity you can do.

You may need help

Having someone help you stretch is better than trying to do it yourself. If you have strength in your arms, stretching on the bed before you get up in the morning is good.

Cir sometimes sits cross-legged to keep his leg muscles stretched. I sometimes help him stretch by having him lie flat on his back and lifting each leg straight up. I push gently until he tells me to stop (before he feels pain).

I should do this everyday, but unfortunately, I don't. Sometimes his home health aides help him with this also. They also spot him when he does certain exercises.

As I said earlier, any activity or exercise that helps you stay flexible, will help with spasticity. The more often you do them, the less you will have. I'm not saying it will totally go away, but it will definitely help.

I talked a little about spasms at the beginning of this page. Click here to read more about what they are.